Online auction precedes Fort Ligonier's annual Cannon Ball fundraiser
Despite the name, you won’t need your dancing shoes for the Cannon Ball at Fort Ligonier. But organizers say you’ll still have a great time — a ball, if you will.
The annual signature fundraiser is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Ligonier historical complex, but the fun gets underway today with the opening of an online auction that will culminate at the event.
“You can still support the fort, even if you can’t attend. Anyone can bid,” said Julie Donovan, the fort’s director of marketing and public relations.
Auction items will be available for viewing and bidding on the fort’s website.
The big night itself will include heavy hors d’oeuvres from Vallozzi’s of Greensburg, full bar, live auction and music by Forbes Road Frolic, a trio playing 18th-century music while dressed in period clothing.
The event will take place outside under tents in the lower fort.
“What makes this event so special is that it’s held in the fort among the very items we’re raising funds to preserve — the artillery, the rolling stock, the fort itself,” Donovan said. “You’re not looking at pictures; you’re surrounded by the actual historical site.”
Donovan said she expects a spirited competition for live auction items, which include a bottle of original Old Overholt whiskey from 1911.
Also up for grabs is a three-night stay at the five-star Dromoland Castle hotel, a structure dating to the 16th century as the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, County Clare.
Another lucky bidder will get an overnight stay at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va., with dinner for two in its three- Michelin Star restaurant.
“We also have a VIP, behind-the-scenes tour of Mount Vernon, with access to all four levels — the mansion, grounds, gardens and exclusive access to George and Martha Washington’s clothes,” Donovan said.
As with the silent auction, you don’t have to attend to take part in the live auction.
“We can do proxy bidding,” Donovan noted.
Dress code for the Cannon Ball is smart casual attire.
A ticket is $125 and can be reserved at 724-238-9701 or fortligonier.org.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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