FARMINGTON – Tradition lives on this spring with the 8th Annual Speakeasy Fundraiser, organized by SWARM. The 1920’s themed evening will include many of the standby details that have been used throughout the years, along with several new additions to make sure the event is a roaring success. Last year alone the event raised nearly $8,000 for food insecurity programs throughout Franklin County.
Started in 2011 by Doug and Sherry Walrath of Strong, the Speakeasy quickly became a regular event for community members to look forward to each spring. The night was historically serenaded by the South Strong Road Crew and Friends, offering live jazz for the dancing crowd. This year, the band has decided to take a break from the lively evening, but SWARM is excited to welcome the Sunday Project to the stage- a 10-person brass big band playing all the 1920’s favorites. Music is being generously sponsored by Thomas Performing Arts Center and BioME.
With the help of many community members, SWARM has this year decided to “spread the good”- with a goal of reaching even further throughout the county. Beneficiaries of this year’s event include Care and Share Food Closet, the United Methodist Economic Ministry, the Wilton Area Food Pantry, the Regional School Unit 9 food pantry and the Regional School Unit 73 pantry. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Senior Farm Shares Program and Harvest Bucks- programs that aim to lessen the burden of affording local, farm fresh food by providing monetary and double-the-food incentives.
Several new events will be added to the line up this year alongside the raffle, music and drinks. The Orange Cat Cafe of Kingfield will be providing hors d’oeuvres, sponsored by Tranten’s Family Market and LoveGrown Hemp, while the reliable, dolled up crew from Calzolaio Pasta Co. will provide 1920’s themed cocktails. Raffle items include a wide array of items and activities donated by the generous businesses of Franklin County, including items from: Tumbledown Brewing Company, Ambition Brewing, Barreled Souls, Sugarloaf, Maine Forest Yurts, Narrow Gauge Cinemas and more. Raffle tickets cost one non-perishable food pantry item, bring as many as you’d like. The signature speakeasy vibe will be sponsored by Law Offices of Mills & Mills, the Wheeler Family and SWARM, with several new surprise additions to help party-goers step back in time.
Helping us keep our WHOLE community well-fed and happy are the following generous, neighbor-minded businesses:
Franklin Savings Bank
Jordan Lumber Co.
NextEra Energy
The Kirby Family Foundation
Western Maine Pharmacy
Orcutt Photography
Meldrum Designs
Mary Lello Acupuncture
Dead River Company
Tickets, expertly printed by Franklin Printing, are available for $25 at Devaney, Doak & Garrett or Tranten’s Family Market (both Farmington and Kingfield locations). Space at the West Farmington Grange is somewhat limited, so be sure to get your tickets soon! Cash preferred.
Contact swarm.franklincounty@gmail.com or 779-6276 with any questions. RSVP on the event Facebook page by clicking here.
Interested in donating? Get in touch with us by emailing swarm.franklincounty@gmail.com or calling 779-6276.
Where is it being held?
Being held at West Farmington Grange Hall.
Thank you. The article did seem to imply that, but I wasn’t sure.