Craig Daily Press

Craig — About 50 tickets remain for this weekend’s Craig Fire/Rescue fundraiser, a longtime annual event designed to raise money for a high school scholarship fund.

The 70th annual Firefighters Ball is scheduled from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the O.P. Bar & Grill, 534 E. Victory Way. The event recently changed in format, said Samantha Johnston, Craig Fire/Rescue training officer.

“For 68 years it was a very formal occasion,” Johnston said. “Two years ago, we decided to change it to a luau format. … We tried to make it something that is more appealing to the community.”

On average, the fundraising event has drawn about 300 people and raised about $3,000 for the fire department’s scholarship fund. The scholarship goes to graduating Moffat County High School seniors. Any student is eligible to apply.

Preference is given to students entering emergency services or related fields such as nursing, fire science and law enforcement, among others.

In 2008, the fund provided a $1,000 scholarship and $800 scholarship to two outgoing MCHS students. Fire Department officials said they’re hoping for a large turnout Saturday which would provide for a larger endowment next year.

But, while the event’s primary purpose is fundraising for a good cause, it’s also a social event to bring the community together and introduce the public to the Fire Department, Johnston said.

“It’s a good chance for the public to get to know who their firefighters are,” she said.

About 250 tickets have been pre-sold, leaving 50 or so remaining. Tickets cost $10 each and are available at the Craig Fire Station or through any Craig Fire/Rescue firefighter.

For more information, call Ashley at the station at 824-5914.

Music will be provided by disc jockey Mason Siedschlaw, and prizes will be awarded for best luau costume and best limbo.