OLDS — Next month, local service clubs are offering a new concept to residents: not a fundraiser but a “friendraiser” called Friendfest.
The Rotary Club of Olds, Olds Kiwanis Club and Olds Elks are presenting it together.
The idea, says Rotary Club of Olds publicity chair Patsy Hickok, is to say thank you to residents for all their support of service clubs by holding a dinner and dance.
“Without our friends we can't do what we do as the service groups in town,” she wrote in an email.
Friendfest will take place Nov. 5 at the Cow Palace Events Centre; cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., provided by RC Eats Rajapaksa Catering.
A dance will follow, featuring the local band Girl Crush.
Tickets are $65 a person or $520 to reserve a table of eight. They can be obtained by contacting any member of the above service clubs or by emailing [email protected]. Payments can be made via E-transfer.
In an interview with the Albertan, Hickok said the Rotary Club initially planned to offer Friendfest about this time last year, but cancelled it, due to COVID concerns and restrictions.
Hickok said the ticket price is calculated to just cover costs like drinks, supper and the band.
“You can reserve a table for $520. So if you have a business in town, you want to treat your staff, for $520 for eight people for dinner and dance, it’s a great evening out,” she said.
“It’s also a way to meet people in the community and it’ll be fun. If you’re only two people, that’s great, because you can meet more people,” she added with a brief laugh.
Hickok said Girl Crush was chosen to provide the entertainment because they’re a well-known local band.
“People love them. They’re fun, energetic and they have quite a following in town,” she said.
Some in the medical community are warning that hospital visits due to COVID are creeping up again.
There are also concerns that the flu is beginning to spread in the province again and it could be stronger this year. It certainly was in Australia this past summer.
As a result, Hickok said if people wish to take COVID precautions, they’re welcome to do so.
