Guns N’ Hoses returns to the softball diamond — this time, at Zenoff

By Brandi Makuski

The annual Guns N’ Hoses softball game has raised more than $250,000 for local veterans since 2014, and this year it’s making room for more attendees.

Historically, the cops-versus-firefighters game has been held at Bukolt Park, but the need for more parking space drove the GNH planning committee to strike a partnership with the Stevens Point Softball Association.

This year the Sept. 10 game will be held at Zenoff Park. Gates open at noon, and the first pitch will be at 1 p.m.

Following a COVID hiatus, last year’s event brought in $95,000. The 2022 game involved officers from Stevens Point, Plover, and UWSP police departments and Portage Co. deputies, who gave a proper shellacking to firefighters from Stevens Point, Plover, and Hull during the Oct. 9 contest, with a final score of 21-7.

That means the traveling Guns N’ Hoses trophy will be up for grabs again this year.

The funds support the Portage Co. Veterans Emergency Services Fund, Never Forgotten Honor Flight, Ageless Aviation Dream Flight, and other local veterans causes.

“The great thing about this event is, every penny stays inside Portage Co.,” said Traci Tauferner, co-organizer of the event.

This year’s event will also support a veteran’s monument at Pfiffner Pioneer Park in Stevens Point.

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public and includes concession stand sales and raffles.

Donations for Guns N’ Hoses can be made anytime at the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, 1500 Strongs Ave., the Stevens Point Police Department, 933 Michigan Ave., the Plover Police Department, 2420 Post Rd., or the Stevens Point Fire Department, 1701 Franklin St.

Donations can also be made to Guns N’ Hoses Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, 2801 Hoover Rd., Stevens Point, Wis., 54481.

Zenoff Park is located at 1001 Second St. North.