VERGENNES — This year’s Carnevale Vergennes, set for Saturday, March 5, from 7-11 p.m. at the Vergennes Opera House, will benefit three Vergennes area nonprofit organizations: the Vergennes Opera House, the Vergennes Partnership and, new this year, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes.
Carnevale Vergennes, an unusual evening of entertainment, costumes, flourish and flair, has become the favorite late-winter fundraiser for Vergennes-area residents since its inception. Local residents Andrew and Jeff Fritz originally brought the idea to the Vergennes Opera House board as a way to raise funds for the theater as well as other nonprofits.
“The first beneficiary was the Vergennes Partnership, an organization that does great work to bolster the Vergennes downtown economy,” said opera house board president Gerianne Smart. “This year we’ve added the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes, an organization that makes a difference in the lives of area children.”
The theme of this year’s Carnevale Vergennes is “Marco Polo Returns,” celebrating the achievements of the world traveler who forever connected the Italian and Asian cultures in magnificent and delicious ways. As such, guests will enjoy Asian-style-fare with Italian-style dessert. There will also be a cash bar provided by Bar Antidote with a portion of the proceeds going toward the beneficiary nonprofits.
A major portion of funds raised comes from the silent action that features eclectic, unique and unusual items, some one-of-a-kind and others considered “priceless.”
Entertainment this year is being coordinated by Charlotte resident Woody Keppel, an internationally known performer, acrobat, juggler, actor and comedian whose most recent local production includes the annual “Festival of Fools” on the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington. Guest will be treated to acrobatics, magic, music and, new this year, dancing, with the popular Hokum Brothers.
There is a limit of 200 attendees for this year’s Carnevale Vergennes and guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. Tickets are $50 each and are available online at www.vergennesoperahouse.orgor in advance at Classic Stitching, Everywear for Everybody, and Malabar.