Duane Hicks
The Friends of the Fort Frances Museum will be rolling out the barrel Nov. 1 for its annual wine, cheese and beer fundraiser gala.
Tickets are on sale now for “Novemberfest,” which will run from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre.
Tickets cost $30 in advance, available at the museum, From the Grind Up, and the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, and $35 at the door.
This is the group’s seventh-annual gala and the second one to go with the “Novemberfest” theme.
The revamped, more festive format proved to be a hit last year and organizers are betting their bratwurst on the same success this time around.
“It was standing room only,” museum curator Sherry George recalled of last year’s event.
“We were at capacity,” echoed “Friends” president Robert Schulz.
“It was pretty crazy,” noted “Friends member” Kimmy Daley. “It was pretty bubbly and very fun–very festive.
“People really liked the beer,” said George. “It really went over well.”
“It was a nice change of pace,” agreed Daley.
Schulz noted the demographic of attendees has changed over the years.
“Last year was probably our youngest group of people here,” he enthused, noting the committee is hoping for a similar mix this year.
The evening plans to be a rollicking good time, with beer, wine, cheese, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts, along with a variety of games.
It also will feature a live auction, with Kim Cornell and Dick Trivers having been tapped to get the bids flowing.
The group has been busy reaching out to local businesses and rounding up items for the auction.
Any individuals or businesses are welcome to donate to the live auction. Simply contact any Friends member or call the museum at 274-7891.
There will be music during the event, and the Rainy Lake Highlanders will be back to pipe in guests as they arrive.
Although by no means a requirement, event-goers are welcome to get into the “Novemberfest” spirit by wearing German Alpine hats, lederhosen, dirndls, and other festive garments.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards funding future workshops at the museum.
The number of workshops–and the popularity of them–has grown in recent years, and the “Friends” wants to keep the ball rolling by offering variety and, in some cases, repeating especially-popular ones.
“People are asking for workshops,” noted George. “We’ve got men asking if we can gear them a little more for them.
“A lot of people want to come to them,” she added. “I think it’s awesome.”
“We have waiting lists,” noted Schulz.
Proceeds also will be used to support the annual winter family fun day, “SnOasis,” which continues to be a popular event provided to the community for free.
The gala also coincides with the featured exhibit, “40 Years at the Fort Frances Museum.”
