Once again the time of year has come upon us to celebrate our Country’s Independence. There are numerous picnics and festivities set up to show our pride in our communities and our country. 

   But have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes prior to and during such a celebration to make it all come off without a hitch?

   I have been a member of the Hilbert Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years and it still amazes me how a community, be it large or small, comes together to work to provide an enjoyable day of fun and festivities for people from across the state while trying to raise funds to help support the local fire department. 

   It is these unsung heroes who make it all happen! 

   Believe it or not discussion starts on our next picnic immediately following our current picnic. We critique what we could have done to make it better and what worked well. 

   Throughout the year the picnic chairmen are busy scheduling bands and organizing events. The Firemen are busy lining up games, rides and food for all who attend. 

   We all owe a big thank you to Jim and Mary Beth Koffarnus, who start months earlier organizing and lining up the large parade that we all enjoy; Fire Chief Bill Koehler who spends endless nights dreaming how he can create a larger and more explosive display of fireworks, Mike Loose who coordinated the 50/50 raffle and who will have a fan forever named Lanetta Mahlberg, because she won the prize, the firemen who work at the parade and picnic and give up their holiday with family and friends to provide a day of entertainment for you and of course don’t forget the Hilbert Lions Club and St Mary’s Church who provide the delicious food for everyone. 

   Of course we could not do it without the generosity of local businesses as is with any community event. I am sure they know what’s coming when they receive a call from the fire department this time of year. 

   Matt Kloehn and his raffle committee were busy getting raffle prizes. They too will have a huge fan base with local winners like Judy Propson, Ray Geiger, Scott Bera, Ron Price, Karen Geiger, Jack Berghuis, Jim Suttner and Jack Mattes.

   It is the little things that local businesses do, even in these tough times that go unnoticed. Be it Veolia for donating the dumpster for the picnic, Valley Liquor who donates the use of the coolers for the ice cold beverages, or Judd Roehrig Field Services and Nett Custom Lawn Mowing sponsoring a band during the parade.  Some are even getting creative like the Village Lanes, who this year charged for parking in their parking lot to watch the fireworks display and then gave the money to the fire department.  

   Some businesses choose to quietly show their appreciation of the work the firemen do by giving a financial donation like, Fox Valley Alfalfa Mill, Vande Hey Brantmeier Auto, Dr Asp, Theda Care Physicians, Jacobs Hillview Dairy, High Cliff Vet Clinic, Midwest Five, Hairtellers and the list goes on. Many businesses that go unnamed provide support in their own special way to give back to their community.

   And then there is the fireworks display. If it were not for the Village Hearthstone that generously donates the entire cost of the fireworks we would sit there in the dark, swatting at mosquitoes wondering what we are doing here!

   So the next time you think about attending a local fundraising event like this in your community, which everyone should do, just remember the work and dedication that has been put into setting up the event and maybe a quick thank you to those involved, be it the organizers or sponsors, will be appreciated. 

   On behalf of the Hilbert Fire Department, I would like to thank all of you for your time and dedication put forward in making these events a success, and thank you to all of those that attend and support your local events.