By Kerry J Newstead
SELKIRK—It was the 50-something annual Selkirk Fire Department Perch and Corn Supper on August 23.
Why 50-something?
“This has been happening for so long, no one remembers when it began,” said Willie Mitchell, President of the Selkirk Fire Department Association and retired 28-year veteran.
SELKIRK—Thirty-year veteran, Jason Schweyer, looking after the fires to cook the corn, using a unique method of bagging up corn so it is easier to remove from the boiling water. 
SELKIRK—Toni Cooper dropping the morsels of delight into the hot oil. 
SELKIRK—Dan Ykema and Scott Fess, the fry guys, watching over the meal cooking away. They helped cook 275 pounds of perch and 600 pounds of fries. 
SELKIRK—Brian Cooper working behind the scenes making the batter and making sure that the fry guys were getting the supplies that they needed. 
SELKIRK—Joe Savelli of Hamilton working towards the middle of his cob of corn, he commented that the food was excellent. 
SELKIRK—Kim and Cheslea Mitchell of Selkirk dipping their corn for that buttery taste. 
SELKIRK—Garry and Sharon Stroud of Selkirk are up next to get their evening supper.
During the event, Station 13’s three firetrucks were parked out front, fueled up and ready to roll at any moment; at the back, there was a vintage truck with its hoses pulled out, creating a path for the eager guests to follow.
Jason Schweyer, 30-year veteran, was busy over the two large pots of boiling water, cooking the 600 cobs of corn donated by Snyder’s Sweet Corn. Meanwhile, Brian and Toni Cooper were preparing the batter for the fish, while Scott Fess and Dan Ykema watched over the frying process for the 275 pounds of perch and 600 pounds of fries.
A whole production line of volunteers packed up the meals to serve a line of an estimated 500 guests.
All of this happened under the watchful eyes of Jill Cooper, who was making sure everything was going smoothly.
The money raised at the dinner goes to local charities and events, and every year, money is donated anonymously to families to make their holiday season brighter.
