Duane Hicks
Keep the beer steins and lederhosen ready just a little longer this fall.
The Friends of the Fort Frances Museum are planning “Novemberfest” for their annual fundraiser gala, which will take place Thursday, Nov. 2 at the museum.
The group made the decision during its meeting Tuesday evening.
While details still are being worked out, “Friend” Debbie Ballard said organizers envision an evening of live music, Bavarian-themed food, and beverages–all in the spirit of Oktoberfest.
“We’re going to get in some different beers,” Ballard explained, noting these will be German beers from the LCBO, as well as some varieties from regional microbreweries.
The idea is for beer-lovers to be able to sample different brews along with enjoying a stein or two of their favourites.
German wines also will be available.
The evening will feature a live auction with auctioneer Telford Advent.
The annual gala is the Friends’ primary fundraiser, and this year the group has opted to donate proceeds from the event toward the refurbishing of the “Owandem,” the small tug or “bug” that was donated to the local museum by the late Arden Erickson.
The boat was acquired and moved over to this side of the border last winter, and currently is “docked” at the Public Works yard.
But the old girl needs some work done to the tune of an estimated $25,000 before she will be ready to sit near the “Hallett” on the waterfront.
“It’s a lot of money that’s needed,” Ballard conceded.
“One single fundraising effort isn’t quite going to do it.”
She noted more than $4,300 already has been donated by the public, and the “Owandem” soon will be transported to Mark Faragher’s shop in Devlin for the makeover to begin.
But more funds are needed to fix the “Owandem” and that’s where the Friends’ gala, and other future fundraisers such as “Keep It Hanging Around” next month, are necessary.
Ballard said people can expect to see and hear more about “Novemberfest” in the coming weeks, including when tickets will go on sale.
In the meantime, anyone interested in donating to the auction is asked to contact the museum for details at 274-7891 or sgeorge@fortfrances.ca
Artists and businesses will be recognized for their donations throughout the evening.
