Grab your pearls and feathers, because there is a swinging new joint in town!
The Sicamous Stern Wheeler will be hosting a one night extravaganza of swing-dancing with prohibition-themed antics on Saturday, March 11. The Great Gatsby Party will get into full swing at 8 p.m., going until late. Tickets are $45 per person, including your first drink and snacks. Proceeds go directly to the SS Sicamous Society.
If you have never swing danced before, there is the opportunity to attend a beginner’s dance session at the ship before the party starts. The lesson starts at 7:30 p.m., and will be taught by Louise Quant of the Even Dance Studio. Space for this class is very limited, so be sure to book early if you would like to attend. Doors will then open officially at 8 p.m.
Revelers will have the opportunity to dance the night away, to the sounds of vocals from singer Yanti, and “electro-swing” music from DJ Tenacious T (Tim Tweed) who has a carefully selected playlist. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, and for the best swing dancer, as chosen by revelers. Cocktails will be served in vintage tea-cups by Maple leaf spirits and Old Order Distillery. Wines and bubbly will also be on offer, poured by Back Door Winery, as well as freshly brewed beers from the Cannery Brewing (who are also selling tickets for this event at their premises on Ellis Street). Tickets are also available for purchase online through Eventbrite.ca.
“We are so excited” said event organizer and director Leah Cook. “We hope the fundraiser will nurture support and awareness for the SS Sicamous Society. For those that don’t know us, the Sicamous Society is a charity that works to preserve the marine heritage of the Okanagan.“
“This is going to be a fantastic and memorable event” said Operations Manager Don Wright. “The museum is uniquely suited to the theme, as the 1920’s were the glory days of the SS Sicamous. Guests will be able to enjoy the elegance and luxury of the ship, and see first-hand all of the work that our volunteers have undertaken in recent years”.
The SS Sicamous is the largest surviving sternwheeler in BC, and is open as a museum, heritage site and wedding venue. If you have questions about volunteering or supporting the Sicamous Society in other ways, please call the assistant manager (Jessie) at 250-492-0403.