As we near approach the beaver festival, I thought it would be worth mentioning our wish-list (not Wishpoosh list) and seeing what help might be out there. I have learned from experience that beaver supporters are connected to all kinds of jobs: county workers, garbage collector’s, elementary teachers, refinery workers, sheriffs and food service….you name it and there is probably a beaver supporter somewhere in it. So I am going to mention the things we need and hopefully you can find a way to help.
This year we will hold a silent auction at the festival. Our two biggest ticket items will be a trip for two to Safari West and dinner for two at Chez Pannise, but we need all kinds of items at all kinds of values. I have taken to imploring donations from my favorite coffee shop, restaurant, hardware store or hair stylist. Maybe you can you too? If there is a place where you’re a regular, where you’re known and appreciated, where maybe you’ve even been good naturedly teased about those “beavers”, maybe you could mention the festival and ask for a donated item to the silent auction? Such a gift is good advertising, will be seen by the community, will increase their profile, and help a good cause. Do you have a special skill, like woodwork or knitting? Maybe you could donate something you made, or donate a coupon for two hours of your time to teach someone else what you know? A Gift card from aunt Martha you’ve never used or an apron you’ll never wear? Consider donating it to the auction.
Anything you are able to contribute would be helpful. Donated items should be organized no later than July 25 so we can make sure they’re included and ready for the auction.
If giving is out of the question, maybe you would be willing to loan something? We need banquet tables and awnings for our displays. Let us know if you have any to spare and make sure they’re clearly marked so we can keep track of them. We could use a helpful pick-up truck owner to assist in transporting them as well. Maybe you could do a few delivery runs on the day? We need people to help set up and people to help take down. We could use some bold town criers to walk the main street peddlers fair and hand out fliers to tell them to stop by. We need girl or boy scouts selling cookies or sea scouts selling sodas. Maybe you can help organize children for the procession? Or help out for a few hours at either of the art projects? Maybe you’re a whiz with math and organization and can help out Linda at the membership table?
In the longer term Cheryl wants me to remind you that we still need help from a graphic artist to do a beaver illustration that we can use for a flag and sign. We always need help with the webpage, and love regulars to help out docenting and explaining things down by the dam. Access to a kiln? Maybe you can help us low fire the children’s art tiles. Maybe you are good at installing them and can help us once we wrangle permission out of the city. Maybe you’re an amateur videographer and can take footage of the day and pass it along to us to be edited or added to the website.
Of course, on the day itself, we need you and your grandma and your nephew to come join us to make a grand event. Bring your neighbors grandchildren and your camera. I can promise you it will be the very best beaver festival you’ve ever attended!
If you’d like to help, drop me an email at mtzbeavers@gmail.com. We’ll set up the particulars.
