Ainsworth

Let’s ride!

The fourth annual Ainsworth Fire Ride took place last Saturday, raising funds for the Ainsworth Fire Department.

According to Ainsworth volunteer firefighter Dakota Longbine, the funds will help the department better serve the community.

“The money will go towards safety equipment for obviously our firefighters, but then it'll also help update our equipment to better serve our community and surrounding communities.”

On the morning of the event, participants packed the Ainsworth Fire Station with UTVs and other street-legal side-by-side vehicles. Longbine estimated there were about “50 machines, or roughly 100 to 125 people at the event.”

The ride has been held around the same time each year, normally during the second week of October.

Some participants traveled from Wisconsin, the farthest anyone had traveled for the event, earning them a Four Corners Fuel Stop gift card.

The ride began at the fire station before heading to the Riverside VFW, Hal Cullver’s farm in West Chester, the Eagles Nets in Coppock, Doug Sanders’ shop in Washington and Leroy Brown’s in Ainsworth.

The first Fire Ride took place in 2023. Longbine explained how the idea came about.

“It was kind of just something—we were throwing thoughts out, and this one came about. Then we discussed it a little more, and it’s an idea that everybody got on board with.”

The department also recognized the event’s uniqueness, as few nearby fire departments hold similar rides.

“I think there’s been a couple other places that have done some in the past, but really, I think the only fire departments that do them are a ways away from us.”

Participants returned to the fire station around 5 p.m. for a meal prepared by department and community members.

“We had pulled pork, which was cooked by fire department members. We had cheesy potatoes and green beans, which were made by community members, who are also family members of some of our department.”

The event also included raffles and prizes for the top poker hands.

“We had a 50-50, and then the top three poker hands got prizes. First and second place received a metal sign that was donated by Swaffer Welding out of Washington, and third place received their registration money back. We contact different businesses, and they would put some stuff together, or donate money, and we would put a basket together and say that they sponsored it.”

Although Longbine did not yet know the total amount raised, he said the fundraiser went well.

“All in all, it’s a very good ride.”