The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) will host a Cabin Fever Reliever fundraiser inside the new History Center on Friday, January 27, 2012. This will be the first time the public will be able to view the Center since completing its construction.

 “We’re so excited to be able to welcome the public into the History Center after its much anticipated completion,” said Laura Resler, SCHS Director. “This fundraiser will provide fun family activities, great food from Culvers, and wonderful music by the Fabulous Love Handles. It doesn’t get any better than that on a January night in Minnesota!” 

  The fundraiser is part of the on-going “Burn the Mortgage” campaign to raise the funds needed for reimbursing the investors who generously funded the last portion of the building’s construction costs. Funds are also needed to furnish and finish the building’s interior.

The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with supper served from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Supper will include a Culver’s roast beef dinner with dessert from the Blooming Prairie Bakery and a non-alcoholic beverage. Adult tickets for $20 per person include the meal, the evening’s entertainment and activities. A children’s meal of hotdog, chips, and drink will be available for $5. Children 10 and under  will be admitted for free. 

Children’s activities will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will end at 7:30 p.m. and will include “ice fishing,” stick horse races, duct tape crafts, and courtesy of Willow Creek teachers, a Native American pokeon activity will also be available. Adults will be able to enjoy Schell’s brewery libations and other ala carte food items will also be available for sale. After 7 p.m., admission to the dance only is a $5 cover charge. Other entertainment will include Katie Smith and her stump fiddle and a contest to crown the “King and Queen of Flannel.” Think “Fargo” meets Red Green and you’ll understand the theme of this fun evening! Guests will also be able to take a sneak peek inside the gift shop which will feature items from many local artisans. The raffle for a John Deere riding lawn mower donated by Ag Power Equipment will be drawn during the event with raffle tickets available until the drawing time. Caricaturist Sue Brown will be on hand to draw portraits.

“We are committed to providing increased programming, service and educational opportunities, said Resler. “The History Center will help us to take a giant leap forward in what we are able to offer the public and with our multi-purpose area, we’ll also be able to offer the community a place for meetings, family gatherings and other social activities. The building has been designed to be multi-functional and user friendly, enabling visitors to have a unique museum experience. I hope everyone who has so generously given sees this dream become a reality by attending on the 27th and enjoy what they have given to all of us.” 

Advance sale tickets are available at the SCHS office or Kottke Jewelers. If you need more information, or would like tickets held for pick-up, please call the SCHS office at 451-1420 and ask for either Laura or Dodie.