It is awesome to have it back. The community loves it. You can see the turnout.”

Newport Fire Chief Steve Wiley

“Booya,” is a traditional hearty stew made from beef bones, oxtails, chicken, turkey, plenty of vegetables, and a special blend of spices.

Since 1953, the Newport Fire Department has been serving up a unique flavor of annual fundraiser to the community. Though it’s been 70 years since the first Booya fundraiser was held in Newport, this year’s event marked the 69th time it has taken place, as 2020’s event was canceled due to the pandemic. 2021 and 2022 events were held, but in a drive-thru style. On Sunday, Sept. 17, a sunny, 65-degree day, Booya again went live to visitors at the Newport fire station for the first time since 2019.

The namesake and centerpiece of the yearly event, “Booya,” is a traditional hearty stew made from beef bones, oxtails, chicken, turkey, plenty of vegetables, and a special blend of spices. Combined with raising money for the fire department, it’s become a cherished staple for residents and visitors alike for over two-thirds of a century.

While the recipe is no secret – it’s posted on the wall right by the entrance – the process is something that takes experience and teamwork. Prepared by members of the fire department called the “Booya Crew” over a period of 24 hours, a half dozen 60-gallon kettles simmer in a makeshift open-air kitchen outside the fire station, stirred with large paddles all day and night before it’s dished out for lunch the next afternoon. Hungry residents who have been waiting all year for the local specialty flocked to the fundraising event for a taste of Booya, cold drinks, hot dogs and brats, kids’ activities, and community gathering.

The event opened at 11 a.m., and by 12:15 p.m. three of the six kettles were already served up and empty. Some visitors opted for a small 12-ounce bowl ($5), some chose the quart-sized bowl ($12), and others bought it by the gallon bucket ($48) to freeze and enjoy all winter long. Regular and Cajun flavors were offered.

Hundreds of people in attendance stood in line to be served by the Booya Crew, sitting down to eat at tables set up inside the station or out in the station yard. Kids jumped in a bounce house just outside the garage door and others played games like Plinko and Fish Pond, and the lollipop tree. Attendees also placed bids in a silent auction. Whichever flavor of fun folks chose to take part in, the funds brought in will directly support the Newport Fire Department.

Certification Examiner and Retired Assistant Fire Chief Tom Ingemann, “The Voice of Booya” for about 40 years, manned the PA system out in the station yard, announcing event updates and auction winners as they came in.

Newport Fire Chief Steve Wiley commented on the event, saying, “It is awesome to have it back. The community loves it. You can see the turnout.” He added, “We use the proceeds for training and equipment that the budget might not cover. With the proceeds from last year, we bought six thermal imaging cameras used for locating the scene of a fire, as well as search and rescue.”

He said that the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of everybody in the community.