First responders to host corn roast at Murphy Orchards to benefit Johnson family

Press release

On Sunday, Aug. 5, from 12:30 to 4 p.m., The Wrights Corners Fire Co., Miller Hose Fire Co. of Newfane and the Olcott Fire Co. will host a corn roast at Murphy Orchards. The proceeds of the event will be donated to the Johnson family.

By now, few in Western New York are unaware of the horrible tragedy suffered by the Johnson family, whose home in Wilson exploded, killing 14-year old Sarah Johnson and injuring her parents, Judith and Jody, her sister, Katie, and brother, Nathan. Two other children, Sam and Hannah, were fortunately not at home at the time of the explosion.

The entire community has been shocked by this family's losses. The first responders on the scene, even more than onlookers, were stunned by the extent of the disaster, and wish to help in some way.

There will be a free outdoor concert by the Barker Community Band at 1:30 p.m.

The fundraiser will be an afternoon of good music, a beautiful setting, and corn grown on the farm - all to benefit a much needed cause.

There will be lots of corn: Corn to eat steamed or roasted, and corn to buy fresh-picked from the stalk to take home. There will be a big, red fire engines parked at the farm to see up close, firefighters to explain what they do and how they do it, and even rides in a fire truck.

Organizers will have tractor-drawn wagon rides to the corn field. There are baby farm animals in the petting zoo, too.

There will be no admission charge, but proceeds from the corn roast and other activities will be donated to the Johnson family.

The event will also give the community a chance to meet the first responders to tell them "thank you" for all that they do.

Murphy Orchards is located at 2402 McClew Road, in Burt.

For more information, call 716-778-7926, visit Murphy Orchards on Facebook, or email[email protected].