The Backus Fire Department and its many volunteers saw the attendance record broken Saturday, May 2, at the 50-year anniversary of the Backus Smelt Fry.
The landmark event ended with 841 meals of beer battered smelt and fish, potato salad, beans and picnic foods served.
To commemorate the event, every 50th diner was awarded a free meal, attendees were able to purchase tickets with a chance at winning a tied blanket or yeti cooler, and the event featured intermittent giveaways of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and other items. A cotton candy machine was also present for children.
1/To celebrate the Backus Fire Department Smelt Fry's 50th anniversary, a cotton candy machine and door prizes were included. The event served 841 meals, setting a new record. Here, Ava Burns is obviously excited about the landmark anniversary. Photo by Travis Grimler
2/With 20 firefighters bringing in two dozen cupcakes each of all kinds, it is no surprise that the cupcake table at the Backus Fire Department Smelt Fry requires some consideration. Photo by Travis Grimler
3/While many people rave about the beans or potato salad, others at the smelt fry are satisfied with a big plate full of fish. Photo by Travis Grimler
4/A familiar face, Bruce Eveland was a server, yet again, at the 50th Backus Fire Department Smelt Fry on May 2. Eveland was on the department when the smelt fry was started. Photo by Travis Grimler
5/Backus Firefighter and first responder Jason Day serves Roger Sawyer of Pine River, among the first of 841 meals served during the May 2 Backus Fire Department Smelt Fry, making the 50th anniversary the biggest smelt fry yet. Photo by Travis Grimler
