Last night, members of the Hopland community were finally able to return to a long-standing tradition brought to a halt by the pandemic: the annual Hopland Fire Department BBQ.
Hopland Fire Department Chief Mitch Franklin told us his crew served over five hundred meals last night. Community members sat family-style, enjoying their tri-tip or chicken, as local band The Blues Defenders played licks through the night. Kiddos were entertained by a bounce house that kept them busy.
Chief Franklin told us the annual BBQ has been an event that brought the Hopland community together. After two years of hiatus due to pandemic protocols, he told us guests described seeing their friends and neighbors for the first time in two years.
The fundraiser brought in roughly $30,000, which goes directly to the Hopland Fire Association to cover costs such as training, equipment, or other needs that might emerge throughout the season.
Chief Franklin expressed gratitude for all the community members who came out and the businesses and individuals who donated items for the raffle.
Overall, Chief Franklin said, “it was a great night.”
