Hometown Heroes Banquet
Honoring the Service of our Brave Firefighters
by Renee Fite
City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media
The Hometown Heroes banquet on Saturday night, April 11, 2026 honored local firefighters and gave the ladies a reason to dress up. The banquet was an evening of fellowship among guests, delicious cuisine prepared by Singing Chef J.J. Taylor, excellent live music from the 4F’s Band and a great variety of silent auction items.
“We enjoyed this night honoring the service of our firefighters,” said Mayor Jean Ann Wright. “We appreciate everyone who purchased a table, donated items for the silent auction, those who attended and who bid on silent auction items. Everything found a new home.”
Funds from the City of Stilwell events this year will go to support the fire department for items not already provided by the City.
Firefighters served salads and dinners, enjoyed a meal, and later picked up dishes. At the end of the night they also folded and loaded tables and chairs, helping to clean up the room.
“We appreciate everybody who came out to support us,” said Fire Chief Charley Coombes. “We had a great time. And it was fun to hang out with the fire fighters somewhere besides calls and the fire station.”
Coombes bid on a bag of dog food and a basket provided by Feeders Supply.
“My wife Robbie said it was fun to see everyone dressed up and took pics. She enjoyed the band; they played some great songs,” Coombes said.
City of Stilwell firefighter volunteers and spouses filled three tables at the Hometown Heroes Banquet on Saturday night.
photo: Renee Fite
Fire Chief Charley Coombes picking up dishes to clean off a table. Firefighter served the meals and afterwards picked up the empty plates.
photo: Renee Fite
Coombes bid on a bag of dog food and a basket provided by Feeders Supply.
“My wife Robbie said it was fun to see everyone dressed up and took pics. She enjoyed the band; they played some great songs,” Coombes said.
Before the evening ended, the firefighters were called out for an emergency. But they were able to return before the banquet ended.
Robbie Coombes hoped to win the beaded strawberry earrings.
“I enjoyed hanging out with everyone and talking,” she said. “The music was great and it was fun to dress up.”
Also attending the banquet was Jessica Greene, who came to support a friend.
“I’m thrilled to attend the Hometown Heroes Banquet in Stilwell and to experience the new Cherokee Nation community building,” said Greene. “I’m enjoying the live music and it’s fun seeing the silent auction items. I really like the Troy Anderson piece.”
Another family in attendance was Alexander Pruitt, with Chris Pruitt Auto Sales.
“I came to hang out with my family and have fun. I really like the Coney Island print and the food is really good,” Pruitt said.
The winners of the silent auction were announced around 8:30 and every item had at least one bid listed.
This event was sponsored by the City of Stilwell Events Committee: Mayor Jean Ann Wright, Renee Fite, Cindy Carson, Dustin Brown, Lora Gallarado, Rosita Gallarado and Miranda Rankin.
The annual Strawberry Dessert Contest is the next event, on Monday, May 4, 2026 at City Hall. A youth Fishing Derby is set for Saturday, May 30 and June 13 is Bikers, Bands and BBQ event downtown.
Mayor Jean Ann Wright and Renee Fite announced winners of the Silent Auction.
photo: Matt Farinelli
