The Daily Mining Gazette - Published: Thursday, March 27, 2008 Print Article | Close Window Dressing nice, raising money By KURT HAUGLIE, DMG Writer CALUMET — The Calumet Theatre is more than a century old, and as can be expected, it often needs repair. Some of that repair is done with government grants, but some of the cost must be raised locally, which is where the Anniversary Gathering and Auction comes in. Billie Miller, theatre projects coordinator, said the event, which is also a celebration of the 108th anniversary of the theatre building and the 25th anniversary of the theatre company, will be conducted in the theatre ballroom on Saturday. Although the capacity of the ballroom is listed as 200, there were many more people invited to plare part in the festivities. “We sent out over a thousand invitations,” Miller said. Those invitations, which went to theatre supporters and businesses owners who may be interested in supporting it, state seating is limited, however, Miller said. It’s not required to have an invitation to attend the function, Miller said. “They would have to call and reserve a ticket,” she said. The evening begins with a social hour, Miller said. There will be dinner music provided by Mike Irish and later the quartet, NMB Band with Nick Enz will perform. Dinner will be provided by John Gervais from The Waterfront restaurant in Hancock. The keynote speaker will be Michigan Technological University social science Professor Larry Lankton. All during the evening, Miller said people will be able to take part in a silent auction for about 30 items, including: a getaway package for two to the Holiday City Centre in Green Bay. The package includes a three-day, two-night stay, dinner for two and a Sunday champagne brunch for two; a one-night stay at the Dapple Gray bed and breakfast in Eagle Harbor, which includes the use of any of their four suites and a free vehicle detailing from Advance Tec Body Repair in Houghton. Tickets for the event are $50 per person, Miller said but a discount of $350 will be offered for groups of eight. For more information about the Calumet Theatre Anniversary and Auction, call 906-337-2166 or 370-2274. Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@mininggazette.com