VILLA GROVE - The Villa Grove and Bonanza Fire Department was established in 1976 and have sought support from local communities throughout the San Luis Valley through an annual fundraiser to help with costs associated with training, equipment, and operation.  

This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 34036 US Highway 285, Villa Grove, on June 21.  

According to Fire Chief George Frees the Villa Grove/Bonanza Vol. Fire Dept. is comprised of all volunteer personnel. The department responds to all calls within the jurisdiction of the Northern Saguache County Fire Protection District and to calls in the surrounding area when adjoining fire departments request mutual aid assistance. 

In 2024, The Villa Grove/Bonanza VFD responded to 60 emergency calls for service: 23 motor vehicle accidents, 7 Wildland Fires, 5 Structure Fires, 3 Vehicle Fires, 3 Carbon Monoxide Alarms, 6 EMS assistance/helicopter landing zones and 12 other calls to include unreported controlled burns and false alarms. The volunteer personnel dedicated 1,022 working hours and 925 training hours in 2024. 

“Each year in June we host our annual fundraiser. Our fundraiser has become an anticipated community event where folks come not only to support their local fire department but to connect with friends and neighbors. Funds raised from our fundraiser go to support our daily operations, fund training opportunities and purchase additional tools and equipment. It’s a privilege to serve our community,” said Frees 

This year’s fundraiser will include a barbecue lunch, silent auction and for the first time, a Cornhole Tournament that is sure to be a fun. First place participants receive $500, second place receives $200, and third place receives a gift basket full of fire department swag. 

All funding raised during the event goes toward training expenses for the volunteer fire fighters and EMS as well as the purchase of new equipment and operating costs. 

The silent auction will feature a chance to bid on items from local and surrounding businesses such as movie tickets, tools from Ace Hardware out of Salida, Colo. and several gift cards to restaurants and businesses.  

The department will also be participating in local parades beginning with the Saguache Memorial Day parade this weekend.  

“This is the only fundraiser we host each year, and we are thrilled to welcome our community from the Valley.” 

For more information, visit Villa Grave/Bonanza Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook.