AUBURN - For many Auburn residents, the chance to welcome in summer is one they've waited for since the minute summer ended last year.

On Sunday night, they got the chance they've been eagerly awaiting with the 20th annual “Welcome In Summer” party hosted by the Owasco Fire Department at the Emerson Park pavilion.

The event started as a fundraiser for the department.

“A bunch of us were trying to think of something else we could do as a fundraiser,” said Jerry Vevone, event chairman. “So we thought, let's try something like the lake dances they used to have up here and it has grown into this.”

From the beginning, the party has been well received.

“We were overwhelmed,” Vevone said. “That first year, we ran out of everything. There were people all over the place; it was a really overwhelming response.”

And it has not slowed down in the ensuing years, taking on a life of its own and

becoming a highly-anticipated event by many community residents.

“On average, we draw 2,500 to 3,000 people,” Vevone said. “It is kind of like a big Cayuga County reunion, everyone comes out and you get to see people you didn't see all winter and people that have moved away plan trips to come back and visit around this time and everything.”

For many, it is a party that can't be missed.

“It is a great way to start the Memorial Day holiday,” Colleen Burke said, “and start summer, it is just a really fun time. I'm glad they've kept this going like they have for all these years.”

From the tents to the food and drinks, the event is all volunteer, staffed by a dedicated group.

“It is all members of the department and friends of the department,” Vevone said. “A lot of people ask what they can do to help, so we get a lot of help and support to help put this together every year.”

Every year, the funds raised from the event help support the fire department's needs. Money raised over the last few years has gone towards purchasing a new rescue truck and ambulance.

This year, the department hopes to raise enough to help with the purchase of a new ambulance for OFD's Company 1.

“We want to replace a 1993 ambulance,” Vevone said. “Money from this and from various foundations have helped us purchase a new ambulance for another company as well as rescue equipment and things like that and now it is time to upgrade for Company 1.”

Helping draw people have been performers such as the Prison City Rockers and Nik and the Nice Guys.

“Nik started with us,” Vevone said. “And they have been here for the last three years; I think that is a big part of the draw.”

With performances of classic rock songs, it was a great opportunity to sing and dance the night away.

“It is a lot of fun,” Shannon Fellows said. “They are great bands to listen to; they really put on a good show.”

And while it may have been a damp welcome to summer, few were dissuaded from making the trek to the pavilion as people steadily streamed through the gates all night.

“We have a great facility here (the pavilion),” Vevone said. “So I think we'll be nice and dry under here and I think we got a pretty good crowd of people.”