Lacombe will be hopping on Aug. 27 with exciting events being hosted throughout the day by the Lacombe & District Historical Society.
With the day serving as an important fundraising event for the Society, one of the key highlights will be the Servus Credit Union Harvest Dinner, explained Martin Bierens, Museum assistant.
“Servus is the title sponsor of that event,” he said, adding that proceeds will be going back to the Society to help fund everything from operations at the Michener House Museum, the Blacksmith Shop Museum and educational community programming to the creation of various exhibits.
“We kind of see it as an end-of-summer celebration,” he said.
“We also want to see it as a community-building event where we bring lots of people together and have a lot of fun.”
The four-course dinner, described as a farm-to-fork culinary experience, starts at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Lest We Forget Memorial Park next to the LMC.
Beer-pairing to each course will be provided by Blindman Brewing, Bierens said, adding that what’s being served that night is being kept a secret until the actual event.
The four courses will be prepared by four local chefs – an appetizer will be made by Laura Huband of Toller’s Bistro; the salad will be created by Matt Burton from FORNO; the main course is from Derek Layden of Millie Oak Cafe and Catering and dessert will be provided by George Saganis and Lance Sharpe of Leto’s Steakhouse & Bar.
Drinks will be provided by Hans Doef of Blindman Brewing.
“All the ingredients for the dinner are also being sourced from within Lacombe County,” said Bierens.
“We thought we were setting ourselves up for a big challenge but there are so many great farms who are willing to work with us – they are willing to donate for the dinner. We are really grateful,” he said. “We have so many people involved.”
Along with the dinner, there will also be silent and live auctions.
“Proceeds from both the silent and live auctions will be going to the Museum, too.”
Another highlight will be the Lacombe County 2022 Ag Tour, which will be visiting several local farms, said Bierens. Tickets for the tour must be purchased separately.
“Lacombe County actually has an Eventbrite post for that.
Also, check out the Lacombe Museum Artisan Market and the Blacksmith Shop Museum Hammer-In Festival – both will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At last count, about 20 artisans had signed up to showcase their wares at the market. “We still have spots open for last-minute sign-ups,” he said, adding that the market will be held along 49 St. As for the Hammer-In Festival, Bierens said visiting blacksmiths from all over Alberta will be in attendance.
“Both the Lacombe Museum Artisan Market and the Blacksmith Shop Museum Hammer-In Festival are free to attend. Of course, people are always welcome to donate,” he said.
Ultimately, Bierens said it’s a year of ‘firsts’.
“It’s the first year we’ve done the artisan market, the first year for the dinner and the first year for the bus tour. So we are really excited. It’s a full day of events,” he said. “And it’s going to be a blast.
“We’ve also gotten such a great community response.”
Bierens said some businesses and organizations even had approached the Society, wanting to be part of the day’s events.
“It’s really exciting to see that what we are doing here at the Museum is being recognized across the wider region.”
For tickets, check out Eventbrite.ca or drop by the Flatiron Museum.
