Kick off summer with Spotlight on Muskoka Lakes Friday

Last year’s event drew about 200 and by moving it to Friday night, says chamber GM Norah Fountain, more cottagers can come.

BALA — They’re having a giant birthday party for Bala Friday.

And everyone is invited to join in the fun and celebrate the best of Muskoka Lakes at Spotlight on Muskoka Lakes this Friday at The Kee, 6 to 9 p.m.

“It’s a great way to kick off summer and also celebrate Bala’s 150th birthday,” says Norah Fountain, general manager of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

The Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce event features a marché of delights for foodies from local restaurants and resorts, including Crossroads, The Lake Joe Club, Moon River Lookout Catering, The Hook and Ladder, Castle Blue, Eat Local Muskoka, Milford Bay Trout Farm, Oliver’s and the Bala Falls Pub. Guests will be able to sample everything from greens with edible flowers to dried ribs and lemon lime tartelletes.

On stage, Beverley Mahood and her band will grace The Kee stage, along with some surprise musical guests.

On stage, Beverley Mahood and her band will grace The Kee stage, along with some surprise musical guests.

At last year’s annual kickoff party, Mahood was a big hit with the crowd and this year she has new tunes that are taking her fans by storm, says Fountain in a release.

The event includes a silent auction table is brimming with great gifts from foursomes of golf, to cottage décor, to overnight resort stays, to Group of Seven prints and signed Wendel Clark and Darryl Sitler jerseys.

The grand prize for the evening is a two-night getaway for two at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa in Minett, with breakfasts for two at the resort’s Cottages Restaurant.

Fountain says Spotlight is an important fundraiser for the chamber, which uses proceeds to invest in Shop Local ad campaigns, so monies raised directly benefit the economy of Muskoka Lakes.

Last year about 200 people attended, and by moving the event to a Friday this year, she hopes even more cottagers will be able to experience this Muskoka Lakes showcase of great food, gifts and entertainment.

Tickets are $25 at the Chamber office in Bala, at the door or online at http://spotlight2018.eventbrite.ca/.

For more info, contact Funtain at MuskokaLakesChamber.ca or 705 762 5663