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SKOWHEGAN — The Hight Family of Dealerships still held its First Responder Barbecue this year, but adapted it to meet COVID-19 regulations.
Last year, the Hights started the tradition of honoring local first responders by hosting a barbecue at their dealerships.
“We wanted to find a way to keep the tradition of highlighting the communities’ respect and admiration for our first responders, but because of COVID we had to get creative,” Sam Hight said. “We made the decision to do a ‘barbecue to go.’ Rhis year, instead of hosting the barbecue at the dealerships, we will deliver BBQ supplies to local first responder agencies so that they can conduct a BBQ safely at their agency. ”
Hight pitched the idea to a few local first responder agencies and the response was overwhelmingly supportive, he said.
Throughout the week pof Oct. 12-17, the Hights delivered barbecue-to-go coolers to 19 agencies in Somerset and Franklin counties. Thanks to help from George’s Market and the Bankery in Skowhegan, Hiht bought 300 hot dogs, 300 hamburgers, snacks and cupcakes, all packed in coolers donated by Damon’s Beverage Mart.
Chief David Bucknam from the Skowhegan Police Department said, “I cannot thank Sam and the Hight family enough for everything they do for the Town of Skowhegan. There are no limits to their generosity when it comes to giving back to this great community. You are a true friend to the Skowhegan Police Department and all first responders in Somerset County. We truly appreciate your support.”
Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said, “The men and women of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office appreciate the generosity and continued support shown by Sam Hight, and the Hight Family of Dealerships. We thank Sam for establishing and coordinating the annual barbecue for first responders.”
The Hight’s appreciation for first responders is what drove them to create this annual event. “We are glad that we have found a way to host this event safely, while still honoring our local first responders,” said Hight. “We as a community are very fortunate to have such a strong group of first responder agencies. And there’s no time like the present, with everything going on, to support, to celebrate, and to thank their efforts in keeping all of us safe. We wish we could reach out to more agencies because our thanks would be endless. We hope others can share our gratitude for our local first responders and do their part in supporting their noble cause.”
