What do folks do when the days are short, the weather cold, and outdoor recreation is limited to mostly winter sports?
The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA) says, “That’s when it’s time for an ‘All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner’!”
This coming Monday, Jan. 26, at the Fall Fair Hall, 677 Barriere Lakes Road, everyone is being invited to “come on out and enjoy great food, good music, yummy desserts and visiting with family and friends”.
The NTFFRA say they are hosting the event as a fundraiser for the association as they approach spring with numerous small maintenance projects that require attention, and obviously require the dollars to complete them.
Members also note that due to the wide array of improvements made to the facility over the past four years (not the least of which is the North Thompson Agriplex) it is time to put some dollars back into the bank account to start up the annual Fall Fair, and also for that “rainy day”.
“Believe it or not, we require at least $20,000 each year to start up the annual Fall Fair and Rodeo,” says NTFFRA president Jill Hayward, “Years ago, the board of directors would sign a note at the Credit Union for that amount to be used as start-up money; then pay it back after the fair. Not an ideal situation, and one that was definitely not a favourite for the directors whose name was on the line. Now we work very hard to have that amount ready and waiting long before our fair, and therefore fundraising in a myriad of ways helps to accomplish this.”
Hayward says the Monday night spaghetti dinner is being prepared by Doreen Landry from Sam’s Pizza and Rib House.
Landry is well known in the community for hosting great spaghetti fundraisers for area organizations, one being the Barriere Food Bank.
The hamburger has been donated by Rainer Custom Cutting, the Yellowhead 4H Club have volunteered to do “dish duty”, and a number of other folks such as Bernie and Bill Kershaw have stepped forward as well.
“We have to say a big thank you to Marnie Pfeifer who is the chief organizer of this event,” said Hayward, “She has been a whirlwind when it comes to getting this fundraiser off the ground, we really appreciate all of her hard work.”
The NTFFRA event is open to all ages and runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering “all you can eat” spaghetti, Caesar salad and garlic toast for just $10. For those that enjoy a drink with dinner there will be beer and wine available, and of course coffee and tea.
The Gordie West Band will be on site, volunteering to provide great music and some of those ‘golden oldies’ that everyone likes to hear.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will be happy to hear there will be a dessert auction held hourly; with dozens of yummy treats offered up to eat after your meal, or take home and savor later.
Pay at the door when you arrive.
The association encourages everyone to “come on out – have a great dinner (maybe on your way home from work), buy some treats, and know that the dollars raised will stay right here in the community.”