Organizers are excited about the upcoming Servus Credit Union Harvest Dinner.
”Our presenting partner is Servus Credit Union, who has been a wonderful community partner for us over the course of the year, coming to all of our exhibition openings, Indigenous People Day Ceremony, and more,” said Melissa Blunden, executive director of the Lacombe Museum.
Blunden said the Dinner is welcoming both Chef Laura and Chef Derek back for a second year, as well as a few of the 2022 suppliers and producers, such as Deep Root Farms and Blindman Brewery.
“This year, a few of our new suppliers include Frontier Farms, Echo Food Rescue, and LA Liquor. We are also lovingly growing specific garnishes and herbs in the Heritage Learning Garden this year for the event.”
As with last year, the menu has been kept secret and will not be announced until it is plated and explained to guests by the chefs before each of the seven courses, she said.
“We have been dropping clues on our social media over the past four weeks, and we are always looking to highlight more of our incredible region.”
Blunden noted that this year, staff had also received funding from the City’s Community Builders Grant for events to help elevate the experience.
“This additional support has allowed us to bring on Silk and Strings Aerial Violin Melanie Doderai, a world-class entertainer; professional emcee services by Lacombe’s own Joe Whitbread, and to secure enough rentals for the event to happen outside of the iconic Flatiron Building under string lights.”
Blunden said it’s through local supporters – small businesses, other non-profits, and artists alike – that they’ve been able to gather an incredible list of Lacombe-based experiences and items for the auction that will be during the dinner, too.
Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will go towards the Lacombe Museum ReImagined Project – the capital project centered on how residents can connect more with the community.
“For example, the five-year pilot project of the Flatiron Building Museum provides gallery space for exhibits, partners with school programs, and preserves the past through its archives, while also running a gift shop and providing a visitor experience in Lacombe’s downtown core.”
The Michener House Museum has remained closed over 2023 as it is undergoing Stage 1 of this work which will create a new experience for visitors.
Finally, the Blacksmith Shop Museum is scheduled to start its own similar project in the spring of 2024 which will bolster visitor traffic/flow and bring new artisans to the community in a Metal Artist Residency Program.
As for the dinner, tickets are available online until the 16th, however, a few will be available at the Flatiron Building Museum until the 18th.
“We recommend people call 403-782-3933 to reserve their seats.”
Meanwhile, it’s been a hectic time for the Museum.
“The ‘RePurposed Artist’ exhibit is nearing its end to make way for the Canadian History Museum exhibit ‘The Ones We Met: Inuit Traditional Knowledge & the Franklin Expedition’.
“We still have our annual Hammer-In Festival on Aug. 26th from 10-4 p.m. at the Blacksmith Shop Museum where we close the street and turn it into a blacksmith alley and welcome blacksmiths from around western Canada to show off their unique techniques!”
There will also be a BBQ and beer garden where Museum staff will be launching their new Hometown Lacombe Premium Light Lager through a partnership with Field & Forge Brewing.
