Fandango!!!
Columbia's Birthday Celebration Fundraiser
MARCH 29, 2008 (Saturday)
6:00 to 11:00PM

Big plans are underway for a lively Columbia evening to bring funds to our education, preservation and interpretation mission. Imagine Columbia Nightlife! Don't laugh! It isn't that farfetched. We at Friends are doing all we can to bring the town alive from the St. Charles Saloon all the way to the Fallon House Parlor.

Columbia merchants are on board to stay open a little longer into the evening while costumed visitors flitter from door to door all along Main Street. The street will ring with the sounds of barkers filling up the theatre at the Justice Court where Lola Montez will perform her (in)famous spider dance. Our very own Chapman family from the Diggins and a few other acts out of times gone by. Our Saloons will host gambling games galore with dissonant sounds of boisterous ebullient gamers. Dealers will be raking in the Columbia Dollars as many a sucker comes to his or her table. Our docents will be "hands on" in the fundraising fun!! Our Saloon keepers are graciously serving free appetizers to our ticket holders, and Friends of Columbia will stage live music throughout the town.

And the Fandango Part? You ask. Well, our very own troupe from Lamplight's past will be presenting a dance and then inviting the public to join in. We are working to bring some real Californio flavor to our event. So come on out in serapes, and tiered skirts, dig out the mantilla, and habla Espanol for the night!! These costumes are more comfortable, too.

In no way is this a strict interpretation. We might hang lights across the street! Costumes can be anything victorianesque or ethnic! Gott Lederhosen? Just get set to have a good time, and remember to visit the silent auction for some great deals, and stay late for the live auction for a great time spending your winnings on fabulous prizes donated by our community.

So mark March 29 at 6pm on your calendar, get your tickets ($25) at the Museum in Columbia or Dragoons in Sonora, or Bucksworth Western Wear in Oakdale and come on down for a big night on the town of Columbia!
Lisa Smithson, Chair


Contacts for more information: