TICKETS … Previous Fire Chief Matthew Smithmyer helped sell tickets for the raffle during the event.
PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
RAFFLE … Fire Chief Zachary Miramontes announced ticket winner numbers after the wheel stopped spinning.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Lyons-Royalton Fire Department held its annual Feather Party event on Saturday, November 8, 2025, welcoming community members for an evening of fun, fellowship, and fundraising. Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. with raffles starting at 7:00 p.m.
The long-running event has become a cherished tradition for the department and the surrounding community, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season.
Residents packed the fire hall to enjoy raffles, door prizes, and games, with proceeds supporting the department’s ongoing operations and equipment needs.
Chief Zachary Miramontes, who stepped into the role at the beginning of this year, expressed appreciation for the continued support from the community.
He explained that even with new leadership, the department has a well-established system for organizing the Feather Party. “We have a playbook on how these events are done,” Miramontes said. “Nothing has really changed since previous years.”
A highlight of the evening was the turkey raffle, a long-standing feature that always draws excitement. This year, attendees noticed the birds were a little bigger than usual, a result of current market trends. All meats for the event, including the turkeys, were provided by St. Mary’s Meats.
The event once again showcased the strong bond between the Lyons-Royalton Fire Department and the community it serves.
Volunteers and firefighters worked side by side to ensure everything ran smoothly, while families gathered to take part in one of Lyons’ most beloved annual traditions.
The department expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the Feather Party, noting that the proceeds will help maintain vital emergency services and equipment readiness throughout the year.