The Millwood Follies returns to Mancos Saturday, March 2 for the 30th annual showcase of local area musical talent and comedy acts. The event will be held at the Millwood Junction Restaurant, 101 W. Railroad Ave. in Mancos. Dinner will be served beginning at 5 p.m., with entertainment starting at 7. A special dinner menu has been created for the event.
The Celtic bagpipes that signify the start of the event will perform at 7 p.m. Not only is this annual Mancos tradition a fun-filled evening, it also raises awareness and funds for a local organization.
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. The choice to raise funds for the Women's Cancer Coalition comes from a group of local women who 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 three-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.
The 30th Annual Millwood Follies is a "Wizard of Oz" themed event with a $100 prize for the best "Dorothy" costume. (No "Toto" allowed.)
The event will also include a silent auction and present door prizes. Donations have been received from local businesses throughout the Four Corners region. 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 six for $5.
Monetary sponsorship levels have been created this year to support the Women's Cancer Coalition. There are five levels ranging from $25 to more than $200, and can be purchased the night of the event. 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.