(Pictured Above: The Venue’s previous Gala from 2018, The Masquerade Ball)
With the Rexburg Tabernacle decorated to look like Hogwarts, The Venues Gala- Wizards Ball takes place this coming Friday at 7 p.m. with a magical twist designed for its guests.
“Our theme this year is Harry Potter,” says Jackie Rawlins Director of The Cultural Arts & Museum Curator for Rexburg.
Designed as a Wizard’s Ball fresh out of the pages of the Harry Potter series, guests should expect nothing short of an entertaining evening meant to be a night away from Rexburg.
Anyone over the age of sixteen is welcome to attend. Previous participants in The Gala have ranged from age sixteen to age 80 according to Rawlins.
Features at the magical evening include delicious refreshments available to all guests, and professional music performed by Missy Babcock.
(Pictured Above: Missy Babcock performs with her band at last years Gala.)
“Missy Babcock has performed in New York; all of her musicians are top-notch. You would have to go to a big city to get the quality of music that we bring in for this event,” says Rawlins.
Furthermore, Rawlins claims that Babcock stands for just how exceptional an event The Gala is.
“She is the type of person that would not come back unless it was high quality, so it says a lot that she’s with us.”
In addition, each ticket that is bought goes towards fundraising for the older buildings in Rexburg.
“This year our focus is The Museum of Rexburg-Home of the Teton Flood Exhibit, any proceeds that we are able to collect goes to the museum.”
But, what if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan? That’s okay; The Gala is designed to be a hit for any Potter or non-Potter fan.
“It’s the one chance you get to take your spouse, significant other, or friends, and just dance or listen to great music and escape.”
The “escape” aspect has been the main goal The Venue has sought for all its guests since it started hosting The Gala back in 2017.
Rawlins said she first got the idea when she was appointed to her current position as Director for Cultural Arts & Museum Curator for Rexburg.
“I talked to a lot of people in the community and asked what type of events they wanted us to do, and one of them was a night where adults could get dressed up without the children.”
Shortly after, the first Gala was born with a Great Gatsby themed ball. The next year a Masquerade Ball followed.
The Gala strives to continue to give each citizen of Rexburg a chance to get away from the common stresses of its normal day-to-day life.
This year’s Gala promises not to disappoint.
“We do a light show inside the building that is coordinated to music; it’s a fun surprise,” says Rawlins.
(Pictured Above: Some of the food offered at The Gala.)
As mentioned above the Gala will be full of yummy and delicious treats that range from tri-tip roast, cheesecakes, and much more. Guests will even have the choice to pick a cupcake that assigns them to a Hogwarts house based off the coloring on the inside of the treat.
To any of those contemplating attending the Gala, Rawlins has one word: Come.
“We want people to enjoy themselves. It’s just a night to kind of escape from the everyday stresses of life.”
Those interested in attending The Wizards Gala can purchase tickets for $10 at Rexburg’s City Hall Front Desk or online at Rexburg.org/arts