Duane Hicks
Tickets now are on sale for “Novemberfest,” the Friends of the Fort Frances Museum’s sixth-annual fundraiser gala slated for Thursday, Nov. 2.
Available at the museum and From the Grind Up, they cost $30 each in advance and $35 at the door (if there’s any left).
“It’s going to be more fun, more lively than in the past,” enthused “Friend” Debbie Ballard when asked what will be different about this year’s gala.
“The music’s going to be different, the whole vibe is going to be different,” she noted.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The gala, running from 6:30-9:30 p.m., once again will feature live music by the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra, which will be sure to include a few polkas in their song selection, Ballard said.
The Rainy Lake Highlanders also have been invited to pipe in guests.
The event will coincide with the new exhibition, “150 Years of Costumes,” on loan from the Costume Museum of Canada. But on top of that, there’s plenty of plans for German-themed decorating, Ballard hinted.
Judy Kielczewski, meanwhile, will be catering the event, and has an extensive menu featuring tasty German fare, including dessert.
Some of the younger “Friends” are researching which beers to buy, Ballard said, assuring guests that a selection of Bavarian brews will be available, along with some German wines and other popular red and white vintages.
There also will be games suited to the Oktoberfest theme.
And, of course, with the event being a fundraiser for the “Owandem” (the small sister tug to the “Hallett,” which badly is in need of refurbishing), there will be a live auction to generate some extra dough.
Everyone is welcome to donate desirable items for the auction, said Ballard, whether they are a new supporter or someone who has donated each year.
An example of the latter is local artist Cher Pruys, who recently donated a print for the live auction.
“Cher’s been a very dedicated donor all of these years,” Ballard noted.
“We really do appreciate her support there.”
Anyone interested in donating to the live auction is urged to drop by the museum, or contact it at 274-7891 or via e-mail at sgeorge@fortfrances.ca
