By Vivian Collings
Highlands Summer Festival has stitched together the perfect blanket to warm up a cold January night: their first ever Flannel Frolic.
Grab your favourite flannel, your partner, and some friends on Friday, Jan. 19 for a fundraiser dance, dinner, and auction to support HSF’s upcoming season.
Taking place at the Haliburton Legion, the night will feature live music by local band Adverse Conditions and a delicious homemade dinner.
“It’s going to be such a fun party,” said HSF board member Sean Pennylegion. “It’s an opportunity for us to connect with the community outside of the summer season.”
The fundraiser was created by Pennylegion and fellow board member Sue Vorvis as a casual way to get the community together after some difficult seasons for the theatre due to COVID-19 health measures.
“We were dark for two seasons during COVID, and we have monthly expenses, and like every other not-for-profit organization, the pandemic was difficult,” Pennylegion said. “We have a great season coming up, and the extra support from this fundraiser will go towards that.”
Adverse Conditions was chosen to perform because of their outstanding performances at other venues in 2023.
“They’re a newer band and it’s made up of 11 incredible local musicians,” Pennylegion said. “They have a killer horn section and amazing vocalists. We’re so excited to have them be part of the night.”
If the food, entertainment, and plaid attire weren’t enough, the event is also hosting the famous “Jack Brezina Toonie Auction” during intermission.
“It’s fast and great fun with Jack’s commentary and people yelling out numbers all over the place,” Pennylegion laughed.
The event will also feature a silent auction and 50/50 draw.
“We have a full staff of kitchen volunteers, and then a number of volunteers will be making everything happen during the evening,” Pennylegion said.
This year, HSF is presenting five shows: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Miracle Worker, The Birds and the Bees, The Good Lovelies, and Leisa Way’s Opry Gold.
“We’re very fortunate to have live theatre in our community. We put on such great shows,” Pennylegion said.
Tickets are $90 for a couple and $50 for a single and can be purchased at tickets.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca/product/flannel-frolic or by calling 705-457-9933.
