MENDOCINO CO., 5/2/25 — The Hopland Volunteer Firefighters Association will hold its annual barbecue fundraiser Saturday, with proceeds going to the association and the Hopland chapter of the 4-H Club.
The event will feature a dinner of barbecued chicken and tri-tip, a live performance by the Ukiah band The Funky Dozen, and desserts for sale by the Shanél Valley Academy.
The Hopland Volunteer Firefighters Association is a nonprofit group made up of both professional and volunteer firefighters who serve the Hopland Fire Protection District. The association holds monthly meetings to determine how best to use its funds, whether for purchasing fire gear, enhancing facilities or providing additional training for firefighters.
The Hopland Fire Protection District serves the community in several ways, including responding to traffic collisions, medical emergencies, local fires and water rescues. Established in 1952, the district covers 350 square miles.
The barbecue fundraiser, in its 40th year, will be held at the Hopland Fire Protection District’s headquarters in Hopland. The event is one of the primary fundraisers for the fire association and raised about $40,000 total last year, according to Rebecca Stone, the president of the association.
Stone said in an interview that the fundraiser is crucial for maintaining the resources needed for volunteers and staff to respond to emergencies.
“We are a volunteer district that’s supplemented with staff. We want to keep the equipment on hand,” Stone explained. “The association raises money that the volunteers get to decide how to use. It’s very important that we have these resources for them.”
She said the fundraiser also helps community members learn more about the fire district and how to get involved.
“Last year it rained and hailed, and we still had people come out,” she added. “It is a great way to show the community what we do here and it’s a way to get to know everyone here.”
The Hopland Volunteer Firefighters Association’s 40th annual barbecue takes place at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hopland Fire Protection District headquarters, 21 Feliz Creek Rd., Hopland. Tickets are available at the door and start at $15 for children and $30 for adults.
It was an awesome event last night! Great food, well organized, gorgeous station, something for everyone. Band was out of this world. Good job Hopland.