The annual Firefighters Perogy Dinner fundraiser is returning to the Niverville Friendship Centre on November 11. Dinner service begins at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m., or whenever food runs out, says fire chief Keith Bueckert.

“Come early, because by 4:30 there’s usually a lineup already,” Bueckert advises.

According to Bueckert, this annual Remembrance Day fundraiser has been running for around 15 years now. Most years, they’ve come to expect anywhere from 400 to 500 attendees.

While it’s a great way to support the local fire department, one can’t deny that the meal in and of itself is worth showing up for. The perogies are supplied by Country Perogy Shop from Kleefeld, a business that’s made a name for itself.

The perogies are served in the traditional manner—with a side of farmer sausage and topped off with schmaunt fat (cream gravy), made in house by Friendship Circle volunteers like Anne Hiebert.

“You’ll have to get there early for the [schmaunt fat] because we have run out of that,” Bueckert muses. “That’s been a bit of a sticking point for some people because it is a very popular thing.”

This year, dine-in isn’t the only option. Takeout will also be available if someone can’t attend.

There is no set fee for a meal. Everything is by donation, either cash or cheque. Tax receipts will be available for donations over $20.

Proceeds from this year’s event will help the firefighters purchase items for the new fire hall which council is currently planning.

In previous years, the firefighter perogy dinner has raised anywhere between $5,000 and $7,500 over and above costs.