The Sherburne County History Center drew a crowd of supporters to the Carousell Works Historic Event Center in Big Lake for their annual Autumn Lights fund raiser Saturday.

 

The board of directors for the history center includes President Bruce Tyler, Vice President Jean Johnson, Secretary Diane Jacobsen, Treasurer Carol Kolbinger, Marion Salzmann and Teresa Warner.

 

“The money we raise at Autumn Lights and our other fund raisers allows us to provides new and interesting programs and exhibits and special events at the History Center,” says Executive Director Mike Brubaker.

 

“It highlights the generosity and support we receive from our membership, the citizens of Sherburne County and individuals throughout the state,” he said.

 

In the past year, the History Center has presented a growing number of programs and events. They have hosted more than 175 students on tour, created a speakers bureau to discuss national history topics, opened a book club and family history meetings and are on track to present 75 programs this year.

 

“We could not have done all this without your help and support,” Brubaker told those present.

 

The event included raffles and a silent auction and dinner served by A Catered Event. Cesar salad, chicken parmesan, noodles, and green beans was followed by the Johnson Family Blueberry Torte for dessert.

 

Bruce Moey was the big winner of the evening. He went home with a picnic basket, a couch with matching chairs and other prizes he won in the raffle.

 

Bob Wilts won the wheel barrow of beer. Nancy Jacobsen won the cash can. Tracey Bertram won a dinner for eight by A Catered Event and Lewis and Bonnie Wesenberg of Clear Lake won the gift certificate tree.

 

“This is also our opportunity to say thank you for all your support and generosity,” said Brubaker, who has been executive director of the Sherburne County History Center for the past four years.

 

“Our special events, exhibits and programs are made possible through your donations,” he said.

 

Event sponsors include the West  Sherburne Tribune and Sherburne County Citizen newspapers, Bob and Judy’s Farm Market, Sherburne State Bank and Xcel Energy.