Snowball Silent Auction to Return

HARRISON – “Well, best laid plans – go sideways.”

Those were the words that introduced Maye Tessner-Rood’s description of a recent game-plan change for the Jan. 15 Snowball Dinner-Dance. Despite the original intent that the event would simply be a thank you to the community for its dedicated support of the Veterans Freedom Park Statue Project, the event apparently still has a life of its own. At least some of the former participants have a need to continue one particular tradition.

“We’ve had an outpouring of donations for an auction,” Tessner-Rood said. “So, even though it was not intended, it seems it is now on.”

Tessner-Rood said that these people, who simply cannot stop being generous, have continued donating items for the event. And, as she said, that has led to the resumption of the Snowball Silent Auction.

Thus, this simple, pared-down version of the Snowball has blossomed to nearly its full-sized version of previous years – and now attendees will want to come prepared to bid and win their chosen auction item(s).

“It will not be as big as in the past, but will be definitely something for everyone,” she said.

Tessner-Rood assured that all proceeds still would go toward the park.

“We will of course get the sound system. Any remaining money after shipping and installation, and the sound system will be donated for maintenance supplies, like replacing flowers, mulch, tools, etc.”

In addition to the reinstated silent auction, the event will include a Lotto Raffle, 50/50 Lotto Board. Also, ticketholders will be entered in a drawing for what is described as “an awesome door prize.”

Tickets can be purchased from the Harrison Moose Lodge; Maye Tessner-Rood 989-944-0075; Clare County Veterans Office 989-539-3273; or the Jackpine Restaurant 989-539-6162.

It was pointed out that due to pandemic safety precautions, seating will be limited, thus only 300 dinner-dance tickets were printed and already 200 had been sold by the middle of last week. The $20 ticket includes a dinner menu of roast beef, chicken, pork, potatoes, vegetable, roll, homemade salads, and desserts. Doors will open at 5 p.m. (plenty of time to peruse those silent auction items) with dinner at 6 p.m. The fun evening will include dancing to music provided by DJ Terry Fetters, and will last until 9:30 p.m.

It’s a last-chance event, and a proven fun time for all who attend in support of the park and those who serve their nation and communities of Clare, Gladwin, Isabella and Midland counties. It is not to be missed.