The Park Rapids Fire Hall was lit up with live music on Saturday night.
The Firemen’s Ball attracted partygoers while raising funds for the Park Rapids Fire Department Relief Association.
Profits will be used to replace outdated equipment, according to firefighter and event coordinator Crystal Krautkremer.
The ball offered nearly seven hours of live music and dancing. Both entertainers had Park Rapids connections.
In Stereo, a husband-and-wife acoustic duo, performed a variety of cover music – from pop and grunge to bluegrass and rock-n-roll. Justin and Mandy Long said they were thankful to be part of the festivities.
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“We have so much love and respect for the hard-working men and women on this volunteer department,” In Stereo wrote on their Facebook page. “Their contribution to our community is invaluable.”
2 Weeks Notice, formerly known as Incredibly Real, brought their unique fusion of country, rock and pop to the ball. The band comprises three brothers: Jack, Tim and Dan Walsh. All graduated from Park Rapids Area High School. They last headlined the Firemen’s Ball in 2019.
The PRFD also collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, a project that Krautkremer has described as “near and dear to our hearts since our own have stayed there.”
The event was sponsored by Northwoods Bank of Park Rapids. Giovanni’s Pizza, Nei Bottling and Revel Brewing made donations toward food and beverages. 71 Bottles of Beer & Liquor also provided bar support.
"We did have a great turnout," Krautkremer said on Tuesday. "We're thrilled that so many came out to support and enjoy the band performances! By very rough calculation at this moment, we had approximately 280 people."
She noted that Blue Line Express provided 28 safe rides home.
"The bands did a great job in entertaining and people danced all the way through the last song of the evening," she said.
The PRFD is already looking forward to planning next year's ball, according to Krautkremer.
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"It was so fun to have a night out, enjoy time with friends, get dressed up if that's what you want to do. We loved seeing some of the formal wear people chose to wear out. You all looked fantastic."
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