PINE GROVE - The second to last day of the 58th annual Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters' Association Convention brought the community together for a family fun night Friday.
With "old-fashioned family fun" including carnival games and food, a bounce house and live entertainment at Pine Grove Hose, Hook & Ladder Fire Company, the event was sponsored by Operation Hugs and Kisses, which formed in 2010 after several row home fires in Pine Grove.
The group also played a significant role in providing assistance following flooding in the borough in September 2011 from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.
"It's going so well and we are very pleased with the turnout," said Kelly Schnoke, secretary of Operation Hugs and Kisses. "We're very pleased the community came out to support us and the firefighters because it's an important week."
While Friday night's event was for families, it was also a time to continue to commemorate the firefighters in the county. State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, presented commendations to the fire departments that were most affected during the disaster in the borough.
Accepting the commendations from Tobash and the commonwealth were fire chiefs and representatives from Pine Grove Hose, Hook & Ladder and Suedberg, Ravine, Tremont, Donaldson and North End fire companies.
"All these men are great leaders and I think it's only fitting that this year the fire convention is being held here in Pine Grove," Tobash said. "I thank all these gentleman for their leadership and all they do for the communities."
Tobash also spoke about Operation Hugs and Kisses, telling how last year, the organization raised more than $60,000 for the community, which he said is "a good example of what they do."
"The community certainly is not broken," Tobash said.
Following the games and live entertainment, the night concluded with a free movie and fireworks.