An annual festival hosted by the North Country Pickleball Club in Potsdam has over the years contributed nearly $20,000 to five fire departments. The event occurred on the weekend and attracted many people from the community who came to engage in autumn related activities in support of the cause.

Local events such as pickleball competitions, food truck services, music performances and family activities were also in the festival. They had a chance to enjoy pumpkin carving contest, hay ride, corn maze, etc. Craftsmen and craftswomen were also in attendance, displaying their products, and other ornaments for the festive season.

The organizers said that they were received tremendous support from the community. North Country Pickleball Club president Sarah Johnson was happy with the event’s attendance and the overall amount of money collected. ”Fire fighters and other members of local fire departments work hard for our community and we thought it would be nice to try to find a way to support them.”

The funds raised will be distributed equally among five area fire departments: Potsdam, Canton, Norwood, Madrid, and Hannawa Falls. The heads of each of the departments were at the festival to receive the donations and extend their gratitude to the community.

Potsdam Fire Chief Mark Wilson gave his insight on how the fundraiser affected things. ”This money will come in handy in a way that will help us replace some of our outdated equipment and give our volunteers more training,” he added. “First and foremost, we would like to thank the Pickleball Club and all the patrons who came through for us.”

It has been a success that has leads to debates on the need to make it an annual affair. Johnson pointed out that the club is already trying to figure out how to make the festival even bigger for next year, perhaps adding more fun events, or including other organizations in the community as well.

Local merchants also supported the festival because many of them contributed raffle prizes and underwrote other events. This assistance from the business community went a long way in providing the necessary funding within which the maximum possible amount of money could be raised for the fire departments.

Apart from the main goal of raising funds, the festival was also a way through which the fire departments could also popularize fire prevention among the residents. Firefighters were also present to show and explain the use of equipment, and to share information on fire safety and how to plan for an emergency.

Interestingly, the event also brought to light the increase in pickleball within the North Country area. The racquet sport that has similarities with tennis, badminton and table tennis is one of the most popular sports in recent years. The North Country Pickleball Club has been the most active in encouraging the sporting activity across the region and using the same to mobilize the community in support of noble causes.

This and the future events that will start taking place as the fall season progresses, people in the community are excited for more entertaining events that will also be supporting the local organizations. The fall festivals of the pickleball club have set a positive precedence for other organizations that want to make a positive impact within the Potsdam community.

The monies generated from this event will help local fire departments to better serve and protect the public in the upcoming year. The festival not only contributed financially but also promoted unity between the community and its protectors, which is typical for the North Country.