Steve Roy, president of the St. Davids Firefighters Association, was all smiles as he welcomed community members back for the first buffet breakfast of the season on Saturday. 

Running from October through February, the breakfast series raises funds for community causes, including local minor sports, St. David’s School and the Red Roof Retreat, said Roy.

“This is our first breakfast for this year,” he said. “There are numerous places that we donate to.”

With more attendees than expected, the breakfast — operating on an honour system, where adults paid $12 and children $6 — kept the team at the fire hall busy, said Roy. 

He said he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, as good weather often results in fewer visitors. Not this time, though. 

“Great turnout. No complaints whatsoever,” he said.

Roy said attendees ranged anywhere from locals to firefighters at the hall. 

“We’ve got some guys from station four in Queenston, and a lot of guys from all the other stations came and supported us too, which is great,” he said, plus many locals and some of the association’s retirees.

“We’ve got a little bit of everything.”

The breakfast also attracted newcomers, with several first-time visitors mentioning how much they enjoyed the experience, said Roy. 

The positive feedback wasn’t lost on Roy, who said community members are now looking forward to the next big gathering: a Halloween party on Thursday, Oct. 31, with goodie bags and prizes.