The long standing Mancos tradition of The Millwood Follies is happening again. Mark March 2 on your calendar for the 30th annual showcase of local area musical talent and comedy acts which is sure to be another night of laughter and great entertainment. The Follies have been dusting off the winter blues for thirty years now with some new and always a few favorite acts returning each year.
One favorite is the Celtic bagpipes that signify the starting of the event at 7 p.m. Not only is this annual Mancos tradition a fun-filled evening, it raises awareness and funds for a local organization in town. In the early years, the fundraising efforts went toward the Mancos Opera House, and then the Mancos Valley Chorus. In more recent years, fundraising proceeds have gone toward breast cancer awareness, the Mancos Public Library, Chicken Creek Recreation Area, Mancos Elementary School's Second Graders, and the Centennial Celebration of Mancos High School.
This year's event, "An Adventure to Oz", will benefit the Women's Cancer Coalition, which assists women in Montezuma and Dolores Counties with expenses related to women's cancer treatments. The choice to raise funds for this quality organization comes from a group of local women that have raised funds for the fight against cancer in years past. Cathy Hallam, Dana Weaver, Kelli Yeomans, and Cathy Epps raised funds in 2007 for their venture to San Diego as they took part in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day 60 mile walk for breast cancer awareness. Since then, the local women have wanted another goal of raising money for a philanthropic need. While raising funds for Susan G. Komen was extremely rewarding, the group felt strongly about directing their efforts toward local needs. They have now joined forces with additional Mancos women - Karen Noack, Donna Reitz, Denise Miliken, and Gail Bertram. They have chosen to start with the Follies and the Women's Cancer Coalition with the hopes to expand their support to other organizations in the future. Their mission has officially begun as they have been working diligently in the past few months to create a fun filled, profitable event that will prove to be a highlight of Mancos' 2013 winter months!
The 30th Annual Millwood Follies is a "Wizard of Oz" themed event with a $100 prize for the best "Dorothy" costume. (No "Toto" allowed!) Everyone is encouraged to pull out their ruby red slippers and arrive as festive as they can on March 2! The group has received generous donations from local businesses throughout the Four Corners Region for both silent auction items and door prizes. The silent auction items include weekend getaways, various high quality items from local artists, restaurant gift certificates, and jewelry items, to name just a few. Door prize tickets will be sold and drawn beginning at 5 p.m. and continue throughout the evening, with tickets costing $1 each or 6 for $5. This year there has been an added means to support the Women's Cancer Coalition with Monetary Sponsorship Levels as a donor option. There are five levels ranging from $25-$200+, and can be purchased the night of the event.
The 30th Annual Millwood Follies will be held at the Millwood Junction Restaurant, 101 W. Railroad Avenue, in Mancos on March 2. Dinner will be served beginning at 5 p.m., with entertainment starting at 7. A special dinner menu has been created for the event, and reservations will not be taken that evening. Seating is limited and audience members are encouraged to arrive early for the entertaining evening!
Questions about the Women's Cancer Coalition or silent auction/door prize item donations should be directed to Kelli Yeomans at 946-1843 or Dana Weaver at 533-7113. To book an act for the evening, please contact Karen Noack at 533-9026.