Boilermaker to be held on July 15

A buffet dinner and music will highlight Wega Arts' first-time Boilermaker Friday, July 15, at the George Gerold Opera House.

"We want to see it become an annual event. It came from a crisis," said Kathy Fehl, who is the nonprofit organization's artistic director.

Last December, Wega Arts was preparing to show "Feed the Fish," a film that was filmed in Door County.

Ian Teal, who is the executive director of Wega Arts, checked on the opera house's boiler the day before the film was to be shown. It would not start.

Fehl said they wondered if they should cancel the event but decided to have it. Large space heaters were rented, and those who attended were treated to cups of hot chocolate.

"Everyone was kind and had a great time," she said. "We started working on it, and my sister said, 'Have a boilermaker.' We will always have expenses."

About $10,000 needs to be raised to put in a new boiler. In addition, Wega Arts wants to finish the balcony in the opera house, replace carpets and bring more programming to the community.

In all, their goal is to raise $50,000 this year.

Fehl said the Boilermaker will be a fun event.

A tropical buffet, which will feature jerk chicken, Caesar coleslaw, fruit salad, cheese and desserts, will be served from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dinner music will be provided by Chris Dalzell.

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $25, and must be purchased by Sunday, July 10. They are available at the Coffee Klatsch in Weyauwega, the Book Cellar in Waupaca and online at www.wegaarts.org.

The Boilermaker will also include music by the Big Band Reunion. They will play from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets for the dance only are $10 and are available in advance and at the door.

The Big Band Reunion is made of musicians from Appleton, with many of them having connections to Lawrence University. Vocalist Marie Dalzell will be featured.

An area will be cleared for those who want to dance.

There will also be a cash bar, featuring Central Waters beer, wine, soda and tropical drinks, and a silent auction.

Fehl said it will be a casual event. "Feel free to add a flower or some colorful attire for the tropical theme, and come and dance the night away," she said.

Others are welcome to sit and enjoy the music.

"We are doing many things to help improve the opera house" Fehl said.

Wega Arts is a nonprofit run solely by volunteers, and she thanks all those who volunteer to help with their programs.

The organization is also gearing up for an afternoon story theater program on Saturday, July 23. "A group from New York is coming to give a performance for children and parents. More details are to come," she said.