Published: 8/24/2021 3:04:49 PM
Modified: 8/24/2021 3:04:50 PM
ORANGE — After being canceled last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Dinner by the River fundraiser will return to Riverfront Park on East River Street on Sept. 4 to raise money for Orange’s parks and community projects.
According to a press release from the Orange Revitalization Partnership, the volunteer-run nonprofit that organizes the event, money raised from previous events has helped refurbish the Butterfield Park bandstand, replace a granite bench in Memorial Park and create new murals.
The Sept. 4 event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with music by the Lazy River Jazz Band. Dinner by Affordable Caterers of Orange will be served at 5:30 p.m., with a menu consisting of vegetarian lasagna or balsamic chicken, green beans almondine, scalloped potatoes, bread with dipping sauce, a side salad and dessert. There will also be water and iced tea.
The Orange Revitalization Partnership will again offer a $300 cash raffle. Participants can get one ticket for $5 or three for $10 by contacting Dinner by the River Chair Brenda Black at 978-780-4777. Area business sponsors interested in donating gift baskets or gift cards for a raffle can also contact Black.
“You’re really missing out if you don’t go,” she said. “It’s always a wonderful time.”
Black said the Orange Revitalization Partnership got the green light from the town Board of Health and there are not expected to be any COVID-19 restrictions in place for the event. As of Monday, tickets sales were about one-third what they usually are.
“It’s been a huge success,” Black said of previous dinners. “Everybody has a good time. The food is always good. We have good entertainment.”
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Trail Head Outfitters and General Store at 1 South Main St. in Orange or by calling Pat Andrews at 978-544-8555. The event will be held rain or shine under tents donated by Seeds of Solidarity. Masks are optional.
Reach Domenic Poli at 413-772-0261, ext. 262 or dpoli@recorder.com.