Decatur's "Social Event of the Spring" is back!
DECATUR, March 1, 2018
The Decatur Area Arts Council’s Corks & Forks fundraiser will return for its eighteenth year this April, featuring a new twist on an old fave.
The “social event of the Spring” is scheduled for Thursday, April 19th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. Roughly 600 guests attended last year.
“This is easily our biggest and most important event of the year,” says Jerry Johnson, Executive Director for the Arts Council. “It has proven incredibly popular over the years, which speaks to both the quality of the event as well as, I believe, the support this community has for the Arts Council and the services we provide.”
Participating restaurants and caterers, of which there are many, offer attendees samples of their very best appetizers, entrees, desserts, and more. Additionally, the Decanter Fine Wine & Spirits curates an expansive selection of wines from around the world, with a small quantity of beers and fine liquor also available for tasting.
“The food is always amazing, and the volume of quality ‘corks’ is staggering,” says Johnson.
Guests receive a discount on any wines purchased at the event, with a portion of those sales further benefiting the Arts Council. The sizeable silent auction that has long accompanied the event will also return.
This year’s Corks & Forks hosts will be Chris and Sarah Funk, and Ryan and Jenna McCrady.
New this year is a themed version of the VIP dinner that precedes the event proper. “This year will feature French cuisine and wines,” says Johnson, adding that the wines paired to the five-course meal will be exclusive to the VIP experience. Seating is limited and tends to fill up quickly. “I would definitely get your tickets sooner than later for the VIP,” notes Johnson.
The Arts Council is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. As a non-profit organization, Johnson stresses the fact that they continue to depend on funds raised through events like Corks & Forks to survive. Located in Downtown Decatur’s Madden Arts Center, the Arts Council is responsible for such programs as the Performing Arts Series for Students (P.A.S.S.) and initiatives like the expanding murals project around town.
Johnson believes Corks & Forks perfectly embodies the DAAC motto of “Arts for all” by raising a glass to celebrate and appreciate “the fine art of corking and forking.”
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 13th via decaturarts.org or 217-423-3189. $50 in advance, $55 at the door. VIP event is $125, with only 50 tickets available.
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