WESTLOCK — The Canadian Tractor Museum is set to host the 2024 Black-Tie Bingo fundraising gala at the Westlock Inn and Conference Centre on Nov. 8.
The formal affair is a key museum event and exclusive fundraiser and will feature four bingo games, a dinner, live music, a dance, live auction, and a 50/50 draw.
“The gift shop sales and admissions are not sufficient to support (all aspects of) the museum, so the Black-Tie Bingo is extremely important for the sustainability of our museum,” said Canadian Tractor Museum’s executive director, Barb Kostiw, noting Westlock’s collection of restored antique tractors and implements is one-of-a-kind in the country and they "want to make sure it sticks around for a long time."
Funds raised from the gala total between $23,000 and $27,000 every year and go towards supporting museum operations.
“This event helps us to look after our everyday needs,” said Kostiw, noting one important aspect of the annual fundraiser that cannot be overlooked is the vital role that Rocky Mountain Equipment’s corporate office has played in establishing the fundraiser and sponsoring it from the very start, providing “seed money” to get the annual program off the ground.
“We’re grateful to Rocky Mountain Equipment, as well as our bingo game sponsors Browns Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep Ltd., Horizon Ag & Turf Westlock, Pembina West Co-op, and Xtreme Equipment,” said Kostiw.
The tractor museum underwent extensive renovations last winter and re-opened with a fresh look in the spring.
“People were very pleased with the renovations at the front and how we’ve arranged the tractors in the back, that draw attention to the technology and innovations of tractors as they were manufactured through time,” Kostiw added.
The Canadian Tractor Museum is currently operating on winter hours and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To purchase tickets for the Black-Tie Bingo gala, visit the museum or by call Barb at (780) 349-3353.
