Ribs: On sale Columbus Day weekend

/ holtnews

HOLT, Fla., Oct. 4, 2026—The last Holt Fire District rib sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

“We’re cooking 135 ribs both days,” said Jim Connors, Holt Fire District commissioner.

Ribs will be available after 11 a.m. both days.

The ribs, weighing in around 4.5 pounds before cooking, are pre-seasoned with the District’s special “Almost Al’s Rib Rub,” a secret recipe that’s been perfected during the past 10 years.

Then, they go into the smoker where they’ll cook for four hours. When they come out, they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.

Cost is $24 a rack. Every rack purchased helps support Holt’s volunteer firefighters.

Holt Fire District holds three rib sale fundraisers a year: Super Bowl weekend, Memorial Day weekend and Columbus Day weekend. The next rib sale will be Feb. 12 and 13, 2027, for anyone who misses this one.

“Get ‘em while you can, because the next rib sale isn’t until next February,” said Conners.

Gun raffle

Every year at this time, Holt Fire District holds its annual gun raffle. Eligible winners will be able to choose from three prizes:

  • a Ruger American Gen. II .308 rifle with Crimson Trace Brushline Pro Scope
  • a Tarus Judge pistol
  • a Field & Stream gun safe

Ticket prices are $5 each or five tickets for $20. See any firefighter for purchase now or during the rib sale. Drawing will be Oct. 31 around 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Holt’s annual Harvest Festival.

Winners do not have to be present to win, but they do have to pass Florida gun laws to take possession of a weapon. The first winner will get to pick one prize from the three listed above. The second winner will pick from the two left. The third winner will receive whichever prize is left.

Directions to the rib sale

The fire station is located at 483 U.S. Highway 90 West in Holt. If coming from Interstate 10, take exit 45, turn north toward Hwy 90, then west at the flashing light. The station is on the right.

Upcoming Holt Fire District community events

  • Oct. 5 – public meeting to discuss the fire impact fee referendum, noon at the station
  • Oct. 12 – public meeting to discuss the fire impact fee referendum, 6:30 p.m. at the station
  • Oct. 19 – early voting begins in Okaloosa County
  • Oct. 23, 24, 25, 29 & 30 – Holt Hollows haunted house from 6-9 p.m.
  • Nov. 3 – Fire impact fee referendum on ballot
  • Nov. 7 – Okaloosa County’s America 250 Grand Parade in Crestview @ 11 a.m.
  • Nov. 8 – America 250 parade rain date, if needed
  • Dec. 5 – Crestview Christmas parade
  • Dec. 18 & 19 – Santa Run

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