OWASCO - Nearly 175 people came to Emerson Park Sunday to enjoy ribs and beer at the Cayuga Museum's second annual Bar-B-Cayuga sponsored by HSBC Bank.
Eileen McHugh, the museum's director, said the event was a chance for the community to have a good time while supporting their local museum.
“The $35 ticket is not much more expensive than driving up to Syracuse to eat at the Dinosaur BBQ there,” McHugh said. “They get to eat the same good food while supporting a good cause and enjoy some music by the lake. They couldn't do that in Syracuse.”
With a cocktail party in November and a dinner and silent auction in May, McHugh said the museum expected to sell more than 800 tickets and raise nearly $20,000 this year.
That money would be used to pay utility bills, salaries and other expenses.
“We need this money because it is a big part of our budget,” McHugh said. “It
indicates that the museum is important, that we matter to the community.”
Jon Valdina, who came out with his wife, Diana, said it was important for the community give back to the museum.
“We are helping them so they can improve what they are doing for the public,” Valdina said. “Anything that enriches the mind and the world is certainly a positive thing.”
Jim Delaney, who is a member of the museum's board of directors, said the community support at the first barbecue last year ensured that the event would become a tradition.
“We have had great turnout at both events,” Delaney said. “It's a very relaxed atmosphere. People can relax and come and go as they please. And who doesn't like to eat some barbecue and drink some beer by the lake in the summer?”
But for Bill Bader, the event was about more than just the food, it was a way to celebrate the past.
“This is a really historical place,” Bader said. “It's important to look back and see how things use to be. I think they have done a really great job here today.”
The key to the event's success was that it was both fun for the public and not just something they felt obligated to do, McHugh said.
“It's nice when we get something that people want to do so they're not coming out just to support the museum,” McHugh said. “I would invite anyone who didn't make it this year to come back next year and enjoy some ribs and have a drink.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@yahoo.com
“The $35 ticket is not much more expensive than driving up to Syracuse to eat at the Dinosaur BBQ there,” McHugh said. “They get to eat the same good food while supporting a good cause and enjoy some music by the lake. They couldn't do that in Syracuse.”
With a cocktail party in November and a dinner and silent auction in May, McHugh said the museum expected to sell more than 800 tickets and raise nearly $20,000 this year.
That money would be used to pay utility bills, salaries and other expenses.
“We need this money because it is a big part of our budget,” McHugh said. “It
indicates that the museum is important, that we matter to the community.”
Jon Valdina, who came out with his wife, Diana, said it was important for the community give back to the museum.
“We are helping them so they can improve what they are doing for the public,” Valdina said. “Anything that enriches the mind and the world is certainly a positive thing.”
Jim Delaney, who is a member of the museum's board of directors, said the community support at the first barbecue last year ensured that the event would become a tradition.
“We have had great turnout at both events,” Delaney said. “It's a very relaxed atmosphere. People can relax and come and go as they please. And who doesn't like to eat some barbecue and drink some beer by the lake in the summer?”
But for Bill Bader, the event was about more than just the food, it was a way to celebrate the past.
“This is a really historical place,” Bader said. “It's important to look back and see how things use to be. I think they have done a really great job here today.”
The key to the event's success was that it was both fun for the public and not just something they felt obligated to do, McHugh said.
“It's nice when we get something that people want to do so they're not coming out just to support the museum,” McHugh said. “I would invite anyone who didn't make it this year to come back next year and enjoy some ribs and have a drink.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@yahoo.com
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