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12 at F&M Park from noon until 3pm. The Picnic is free to the public, and no cost to the City. The Firefighters are providing food, and activities including bounce house, dunk tank, tug of war, three legged races, and MANY more. The Traverse City Firefighters had this to say about the unfortunate choice from the City Manager, Ben Bifoss:

“Many of you know that your Traverse City Firefighters will be holding a Community Picnic on Saturday, August 18th at F&M park in Traverse City. Unfortunately, the City Manager has decided we will NOT be able to display trucks or apparatus at this event. In fact, we will not be able to use City equipment at all; not even ladders and hoses to allow the community to try our firefighter agility test. This COMMUNITY picnic has a carnival theme, and is absolutely free to the public, including all food and entertainment. It is our chance to provide a fun, family atmosphere for our community, and allow folks to mingle with firefighters, ask questions about potential department changes, and get clear and concise answers from our firefighters. This picnic is NO COST to our City. It is our opinion that the City is purposely making it difficult for YOU- the PUBLIC to receive information about the potential dismantling of your City Fire Department, and it is with deep disappointment that we report this news.

We need your support.

136 years of service to our City...countless saves, fires fought, and community service...and yet, we aren't able to wear our gear at a community picnic?

Whether you live here...work here...shop here...or play here...this IS YOUR City...this is YOUR Fire Department. Please support us now, more than ever.”