Firehouse Chili!

By Tom Lambrecht

2/10/2005 - The annual High Country Fire Department Auxiliary Chili Dinner combines a fund-raiser for a worthy cause with an opportunity for neighbors to sit down at the table, catch up on the latest and gorge themselves on “the red.” Saturday, February 5^th, they did it again.

  The dedicated Auxiliary volunteers cranked out seven 16-quart roasters of the four varieties of chili offered this year (“Bo’s,” the “traditional,” “white” chili with chicken and white beans and a tasty version for the strictly vegetarian) which were generously doled out by the ladies of the Auxiliary, along with corn bread, coleslaw and traditional chili garnishes like cheese, pickled jalapenos, onions, soda crackers, and corn chips as well as beverages.

  As diners finished eating, they sauntered over to the long tables covered with a wide variety of items including handcrafted goods and services donated for the silent auction. A promenade past the tables began, with interested parties eyeing the bid sheet on their prize items to see if they still held the high bid.

  As the deadline for bids approached, the space in front of the tables was suddenly elbow-to-elbow. All pretense of disinterest in the auctions was dropped and folks were throwing body blocks and checks left and right… OK, maybe a slight exaggeration. Still, there were quite a few loud sighs of relief when the announcement came that the auction concluded and the fortunate winners headed off to pay for their treasures.

  Emerging from Fire Station Two into the cold night with warm, full bellies and a little swag from the auction, we can hardly wait for the next HCFD feedbag.

  The final figures aren’t in yet, but Sheila Kambic, Auxiliary President, estimates that the dinner and auction raised well over $1,000. This money is used to help the Fire Department with equipment purchases.

  Upcoming Auxiliary events include the Auxiliary Garage Sale which is held in conjunction with the Gilpin Flea Market on June 11^th of this year. Following that, the annual Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Gilpin County Fair on August 21.

  If you missed the Chili Dinner and wish to make a donation of a garage sale item or cash to the HCFD Auxiliary, you may contact Sheila Kambic at 303-582-1167. If you’re interested in joining the HCFD ranks as a volunteer fireman, you can call 303-642-3588 for more information.