news release

Many people attend the Firefighters’ Indian River County Fair each year for the rides, food, and entertainment—but what they may not realize is that the Fair also serves a deeper purpose: giving back to the community in meaningful ways. One of the most heartfelt examples of this mission is the support of the Indian River Burn Fund, which provides financial assistance to local burn victims during their recovery.

This year, that support came at a particularly poignant moment. On March 9, an early morning electrical fire devastated For the Love of Paws, a nonprofit sanctuary in Fellsmere founded by Ted Pankiewicz, Sr. in 2014 to ensure the pets of elderly residents would always have a safe place of shelter when their owners could no longer care for them. The blaze destroyed two cat cottages, tragically claiming the lives of multiple animals. In a heroic effort, his son, Ted Pankiewicz Jr., and grandson Ryder rescued four cats, with Pankiewicz Jr. suffering second-degree burns to his arms when “Socks” the cat ran into his arms engulfed in flames.

Just five days later, on March 14, firefighters with the Indian River County Fair Association presented a $2,500 donation from the Burn Fund to Pankiewicz during the Fair before the Bellamy Brothers concert, as his son, Ryder, and girlfriend, Fawn Wittenrich, who is the primary caretaker at the sanctuary, looked on. It was an emotional moment shared with the community, and the timing underscored the Fair’s role not only as a celebration, but as a source of immediate, compassionate support when it is needed most.

Held March 13–22, this year marked the 46th annual Firefighters’ Indian River County Fair, a long-standing tradition since 1980. As a member of the International Association of Fairs and the Florida Federation of Fairs, among other organizations, the Fair continues to offer a wide range of attractions—from rides and games to agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and multiples grounds acts and special shows. 

Yet beyond the excitement, stories like Pankiewicz’s highlight the true impact of the event. The Firefighters thank the community for supporting the Fair, making it possible for them to give back to those in need—proving that the spirit of the Fair extends far beyond the midway.