By Gillian Brunette
The popular May Marché returns to Deerhurst Resort this year, promising to be bigger and better than ever.
A Huntsville Festival of the Arts fundraiser, the seventh annual event takes place on Friday, May 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Waterhouse Ballroom.
“This fun social event has become a highlight on the Huntsville social calendar as well as being the festival’s principal fundraising event,” said festival board member Mike Malone.
Several of the area’s restaurants will be on hand to cook up some tempting samples of their own particular specialties. Deerhurst’s executive chef Rory Golden and his staff promise to create a grand selection of mouthwatering hors d’ouevres.
Among those offering food stations are Delta Grandview Resort, Spencer’s Tall Trees, Hidden Valley Resort, 3 Guys and a Stove, On the Docks Pub, Algonquin Park’s Bartlett Lodge, the Fiery Grill from Dorset and Port Cunnington Lodge.
New this year are Soul Sistas and the Coffee Cabin.
“There are more confirmations still to come,” Malone said, adding that there are about a dozen restaurants and eateries expected to be on hand.
Beverages will include a selection of wine, beer, and spirits from various wineries and breweries. Confirmed to date are Henry of Pelham, Lifford Wine Agency, Cilento Wines, Muskoka Lakes Winery, Churchill Cellars, Reif Estates, Mill Street Brewery, Lakes of Muskoka Brewery, Steam Whistle Brewery, Sleemans and Peter Melenezski Agency.
“Peter Melenezski in the past has provided Grand Marnier and last year Navan, which is a flavoured cognac. I’m not sure what he is bringing this year,” said Malone.
In addition, Corby’s Distilleries is featuring a martini which will be poured through an ice sculpture created by Golden, Malone said.
Coffee service will be provided by Seven Main Café.
The May Marché is being sponsored by Polar Diamonds, who have generously sponsored a $3,000 diamond pendant to be raffled off at the end of the evening. Raffle tickets are $20.
GIRL'S BEST FRIEND? This $3,000 diamond pendant necklace is to be raffled at the May Marche. Tickets will be $20 each.
“To make the raffle more fun we are having a Mardi Gras theme. With each raffle ticket the purchaser will be given a ‘diamond’ bead on a coloured string to wear around the neck,” said festival board member Ross Kirwin.
Throughout the evening five silent auction tables will display products, collectibles and art items with a retail value of over $18,000.
“There will be an incredible selection of auction items donated by the generous merchants and artists in the area. There will be some great bargains to be had and, best of all, there is no tax,” said Malone.
This year the auction will also include a Honda sports car from Jason Armstrong Huntsville Honda, Malone added.
As in years past, there will be some light entertainment provided throughout the evening. “We also have a town crier coming from Bracebridge to ensure everything runs in an orderly fashion and who will announce when the auction tables are closing,” said Malone.
Tickets to the Marché are $50 per person and cover the food and beverages for the evening. If past years are any indication, tickets will sell out quickly.
Tickets are available at Treasures and Trophies on Main Street, at the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Robinson’s Independent Grocer, from any festival board member, through the website at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca or by calling 788-2787.
“It should be noted that all of the food and a majority of the beverages for the Marché have been donated. This generosity is the principal reason that the Marché is able to provide such strong financial assistance to the festival as it heads into another season,” concluded festival general manager Rob Saunders.
