The SLVFD traditional “Thanksgiving Ball” dates as far back as the 1890’s and was held continuously into the early 2000’s when it lost steam approximately when the Hotel Saranac was sold and had fallen into disrepair. The Hotel has long since been revitalized and we are excited to announce the “Ball is Back” and we are bringing it back in spectacular fashion, Big Band Style with “The New York Players”

You absolutely do not want to miss this, watch the video below, and follow the link to newyorkplayers.com. Billed as “Dance Party Experts” complete with brass section, we are confident that everyone will have a great time.

This will be a great night to dress up, enjoy a fantastic 10 piece band, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, formal dancing, and a chance to visit with your SLVFD members who will be decked out in formal uniform regalia.

Dress will be semi-formal, instructions on how to obtain tickets will be forthcoming, this is just a little article to “Save the Date” November 10th at the Hotel Saranac, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, doors will open at 6:30pm.

The SLVFD Thanksgiving Ball dates back to the days of SLVFD’s early formation of combining the Woodruff and Miller Hose Companies. A special shout out to those who maintain the Historic Saranac Lake Wiki, the following is copied and pasted from that website.
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Plattsburgh Sentinel, June 26, 1891

SARANAC LAKE.
—The ball given by Woodruff Hose Co. last week was the best of the season. The hall was beautifully decorated with graceful tamaracks, and festooned with evergreens and flowers, the purple iris being used in abundance, and with fine effect. The life-size portrait of R. E. Woodruff, in whose honor the company was named, was also wreathed with flowers, as was the musician's stand, and with the electric lights, the hall made a charming appearance. The firemen were dressed In their elegant new uniforms of blue, trimmed with gold. The ball was opened with the "Grand March," led by Chief Woodruff. To the officers of the Co. C. L. Sherrill, Fred Streeter, Frank Eaton and Bailey, [presumably Napoleon Bailey] is greatly due the success of the evening. There were 80 couples present, and the receipts of the evening were $200. One noticeable feature of the entertainment was the beverages, which were confined to lemonade and soda. None were admitted to the hall, who showed any signs of liquor. The best of order was observed, and all vied with each other in making the evening a pleasant one. Refreshments were served at Streeter's. [presumably the Berkeley Hotel, owned by R.A. Streeter]

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Adirondack Pioneer, November 12, 1892

--A grand annual firemen's ball will be given by Woodruff Hose Co. in the Opera House on Thanksgiving Eve, November 24th, 1892. Particulars and programme wilt be given next issue.
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise, October 11, 1948

FIREMEN PLAN ANNUAL DANCE ON NOV. 24TH

The 58th annual Thanksgiving Ball of the Woodruff Hose company, Saranac Lake Fire Department, will be held Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Hotel Saranac.

Plans for the affair are now being prepared by the company. Vernon Wamsganz chairman in charge and will be assisted by Carl H. Smith, A. J. Fortune, William and Robert Dupree, Louis D'Onofrio, Donald Ross, Gordon Vosburgh, Jr., and Charles Barbara.

The dance will be from 9 until 1 a. m. Arrangements are being made for a special orchestra and the ballroom will be decorated in cabaret style.

Funds from the dance are used for uniforms for the members and for preparations for the Northern New York Firemen's Convention next June in this village.
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