Kicking off the beginning of another successful Sundown Salute was the annual Hot Dog Feed hosted by the Junction City Fire Department in conjuction with Sundown Salute.

This year the goal was to feed 500 people a meal that consisted of two hot dogs, chips, a cookie and water.

Rick Rook, Junction City Fire Chief says that a lot of planning and volunteers help bring this annual event together.

“We try and involve some people from the community, we’ve got a city commissioner, we’ve also got the new Chief of Staff for Fort Riley and we’ve got other community members that want to come out and be involved and we’re happy to have their assistance,” said Rook.

Vice Mayor and City Commissioner Phyllis Fitzgerald, and Colonel Chuck Masaracchia, the new Chief of Staff for Fort Riley were amongst the volunteers.

Masaracchia has only been in the area for two weeks and says that he already feels welcome in the community.

“I got to come out and represent Fort Riley and really put a spin from the military that Fort Riley is a part of Junction City and the local community and the local community is part of Fort Riley. The Big Red One and [Commanding] General Grigsby does an outstanding job with his community outreach and getting us out here and involved with the community,” said Masaracchia.

 

Sharon Glessner, Director of Sundown Salute was pleased with the turnout of the Hot Dog Feed.

“I think it was successful because the hot dogs didn’t go as fast because normally they go in 20 minutes and then a lot of people are left out; but tonight, a lot of people just hanging out in the park got the free hot dogs, so I think that was really successful,” said Glessner.

Firefighters and volunteers were able to give out all of their hot dogs to the community.

“This is our way of giving back to the community and get our guys out – and they enjoy doing this, to see the public…it’s a great event,” said Rook.