Karaoke for a cause

NORFOLK — The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual holiday kickoff and karaoke benefit on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Wood Creek Bar and Grill.

Paul Padua, the department’s vice president of administration, and First Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hutchins helped coordinate the event.

According to organizers, the event has been a hit with Norfolk residents and supporters of the fire department for nearly 30 years.

The event always takes place at Wood Creek Bar and is always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

“It’s important to us to give back to the community because the department is part of Norfolk,” Padua said. “These are our neighbors that we’re here to help, and they’re here helping us, so it’s a win-win situation.”

Several local business contributed raffle prizes, and DJ Vin was spinning tracks for the karaoke. As participants sang to “867-5309/Jenny,” Kittie Hickcox talked about why she enjoys coming to the event.

“It’s actually the place where my husband and I came on our first date,” Hickcox said.

Hickcox and her husband are both members of Volunteer Fire Department and Norfolk Ambulance. First Lieutenant Stephen Hutchins, Department Chief Matthew Ludwig and Hickcox all agreed that the event is a town staple, and judging by the crowds on Saturday evening, very successful at that.

“It’s become a tradition,” Hickcox said.

“When there’s no snow on the ground, it gets pretty busy,” Hutchins said. “It helps immensely because we have a lot of projects that need funding.”

Ludwig and Padua both spoke of their appreciation for continued local support.

“The community support that everyone has for the fire department is great,” Ludwig said. 

Padua added that “this is an event that, not only do they come out and support us, but it’s an opportunity for us to give back with a party.”