A Fun Time at the Firefighters’ Ball – Photo Gallery and Videos

Posted 12/9/12 – For eighty-seven years, the Sierra Madre Firefighters annual Christmas ball has been held (well, sort of, in 2011 it was a New Year’s Eve ball).  In the early days, firefighters went door to door selling tickets, but nowadays they send them out via bulk mail.  So yes, some things have changed.  But one thing that hasn’t changed is that the money raised goes to benefit the City.  According to Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighters’ Association president Todd Conrad, all the money raised at the Christmas ball goes into the Christmas fund, and “all of these monies go to local childrens’ activities, whether it be baseball teams…the equipment for the playground, and anything that has to do with the children, so thank you for your support.”  Non-Sierra Madre children also benefit, through the USMC Toys for Tots drive, which has been a part of the event for years, as well.  Saturday night, Staff Sergeant Andrew Marsella was on hand representing the Marines, and there was a box filled to overflowing by attendees, at the door as people walked in.

Well over a hundred people turned out to help celebrate the holidays with the firefighters.  Fire Chief Steve Heydorff was grateful for the turn out, and got up on stage and thanked all those in attendance for their support.  He also thanked the committee that put on the event…”I want to thank Rich Snyder and his family and his committee, especially for Brian Ferris and St. Francis baseball team who helped put this thing all together…And again, I just want to thank everyone for coming in, and thanks for the Toys for Tots, and enjoy tonight, thank you.”

Stone Soul provided musical entertainment, and the dance floor was occupied much of the evening.  You can see a video below of three of the songs performed by Stone Soul, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Higher and Higher” (at 2:45), and “Mustang Sally” (at 5:45).

Below the video, you’ll find nearly two dozen pictures of the event, as well.