MEEKER I The public is invited as the Meeker Education Foundation hosts its inaugural Snowfest and Dinner, full of outdoor fun and gourmet food on Sunday.
The event is a fundraiser that will “provide staff and student grant awards for academic/activity enrichment opportunities, professional development and classroom needs,” MEF President Mary Strang said.
If the weather cooperates, activities will begin at 11 a.m. at Marvine Campground, and the event is co-sponsored by the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District (ERBM). The fun will feature cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and sledding for the entire family.
There will be competitive and non-competitive events, and cash prizes will be awarded.
Should a lack of snow cancel the Marvine Campground events, the ERBM Recreation and Park District will have the cancellation posted.
There will also be a hot dog stand available for those who want to buy hot dogs and drinks will be available at no cost, although donations will gladly be accepted to help defray costs of insurance for the event, Strang said.
There will also be a benefit dinner beginning at 6 p.m. at the Freeman E. Fairfield Center at 200 Main St. in Meeker. In addition to the dinner, there will be live entertainment and a benefit auction (see auction items at meekereducationfoundation.org).
The meal will be prepared by Meeker Board of Trustees member Scott Creasy, who is a certified chef at Elk Creek Lodge. The meal will include ginger barbecued boneless short ribs, pan roasted chicken, baked ratatouille, garlic sauteed French beans, whipped potato and mushroom casserole and the MEF will provide homemade desserts.
Shana and Matt Holliday will provide the entertainment.
There’ll be good door prizes as well as some sought-after items for our auction.
“We’ll have a good time and enjoy good food while supporting our kids and their schools,” Strang said.
“Another feature will be a display of Ben Quinn’s high school art students’ work and possible displays from Barone Middle School and Meeker Elementary School.
Tickets to the benefit dinner are $40 for adults, $10 for students and children under five years are free.
Tickets are available at the Meeker Chamber of Commerce or contact the Foundation at 878-5362 or at 970-270-4445.