By Gillian Brunette
The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) May Marché, considered by many to be a major event in Huntsville’s social calendar, surpassed all expectations again this year.Held last Friday at Deerhurst Resort, tickets had been in hot demand for the annual fundraiser, which was sold out many weeks beforehand. The marché brought more than 600 people to the Waterhouse Ballroom where, in a carnival-like atmosphere, they wined, dined and were entertained over a three-hour period.
Building on the success of the recent musical presentation of The Wizard of Oz (co-sponsored by the HFA), the marché had a decidedly Oz flavour. Dorothy’s house, magically transported from Kansas, had landed just inside the main entrance of the ballroom and beside it stood the iconic windmill.
Food and beverage kiosks were arranged around the perimeter of the room and, in the central section, gold-skirted tables displayed numerous silent auction donations. Vendors and displays also lined the adjoining hallway, where marché patrons could listen to live jazz music, watch a caricature artist sketch cartoon portraits or sample the vast array of desserts, including a chocolate fountain.
“The marché is the festival’s primary fundraiser of the year and has become a critical part of our overall program funding,” noted Rob Saunders, HFA general manager. “The ability to make a substantial amount of money, and have fun doing it, is only possible through the donations we receive from our restaurant and spirit vendors, our silent auction donors, the generosity of our host Deerhurst Resort and the support of our event sponsor Polar Bear Diamonds.”
This year’s silent auction raised more than $14,000, bringing the total amount raised to approximately $40,000. This includes money raised during the evening’s raffle for a $5,000 diamond necklace, which was won by Janine Scott of Dwight.
The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is a not-for-profit organization that brings a year-round celebration of the arts to the Huntsville area. As well, it funds educational programs and scholarships for both elementary and secondary school arts students. Information about the HFA’s summer line-up of shows and other activities can be found on the website: www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
The HFA's 2009 May Marché!
READY TO SERVE: Soul Sistas owner Lorraine Morin (right), her husband Gerry and staff members are eager to serve up some tasty vegetarian treats.
PEACHY PALS: Robin Clipsham, in character as “Peaches,” shares a laugh with Sybille Pieper at Friday’s May Marché. 
EAT, DRINK AND BID MERRILY: The annual May Marché is a great way to sample some delicious local cuisine, as well as raise money for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. 
HEAR, HERE: Town Crier Bruce Kruger reminds the crowd at Deerhurst that one of the silent auction tables is about to close.
HOLD STILL: Marion and Bob Shaw pose for caricaturist Rob Westall, who sketched willing subjects throughout the evening. 
SWEET DIP: Tom Pinckard dips a piece of fruit in the chocolate fountain, one of the popular dessert offerings at the HFA’s annual marché. 
PICK YOUR OWN: There seemed to be acres of delectable desserts to select from at Deerhurst last Friday. 
ENJOYABLE EVENING: Festival founder Jim Alexander, John Newel of BDO Dunwoody and Don Spring of Cavalcade Photo (left to right) enjoy participating in the HFA’s annual fundraising gala. [The preceding photos were taken for the Forester by Bev McMullen, "Talk of the Town" columnist and photographer for Metroland North publications.]
