The Invermere Fire Department is holding its largest fundraiser of the year and its members are inviting you to join them for a prime rib dinner this weekend.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th at the Invermere Community Hall, the 25 or so local firemen will be wearing their dancing shoes to let loose to the tunes of Canadian Crossfire — a rock-country-blues group from Cranbrook.

This year marks the 43rd Fireman’s Ball. In keeping with tradition, the department will be recognizing longstanding members with service pins before the dancing begins.

“All the firefighters and their families come together to make it happen,” said Invermere firefighter Geoff Hill. “It’s a pretty relaxed and fun night.”

Guests will have the opportunity to win massive amounts of prizes donated by the community — through door prizes, silent auctions, and a balloon auction.

“It’s our one big fundraiser of the year,” said Geoff. “We love having the support from Invermere.”

Attendees are normally in formal or semi-formal attire, but you can expect many of the firemen to be dressed up in their blue outfits.

Tickets cost $35 for the dinner and dance, and a reasonably priced cash bar will be serving through the night.

“The fire department is one of those things that you might not care about until you need it — just like police and ambulance,” Geoff said. “But those services all go far to create a strong community.”