LEWISTON – A lion tamer and tight rope walker are confirmed.

“A bearded lady, I think, is coming,” Sue Schell said.

She’s organized a “circus carnival of fun” for the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce’s 16th annual Not Your Normal Formal on May 1. It’s a chance to break out that carnival attire in your closet and mingle under the Big Top that will be, for one night, the Ramada Conference Center.

Schell, the events coordinator, said it’s the only annual fundraiser the chamber holds where all the money goes toward future chamber events like seminars and programs. Last year, it raised $45,000.

On Monday, she said more than 100 of the 200 tickets had sold. One $100 ticket is good for two people.

She was anticipating the event to sell out, as it has in the past. And she knew about outfits like a lion tamer and tight-rope walker in the works.

People can wear costumes, formal attire or business casual.

The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. Schell said there will be prizes for best costume and best dressed. There will be cash and prize drawings throughout the night, and instead of a single $5,000 winner, she said, “This year we’re going to try to spread the wealth a little.”

In addition to hors d’oeuvres – circus-themed and otherwise – and dancing, the three-ring night will also feature silent and live auctions.

Schell said Chamber members have donated a 10-day African safari photo trip, a weeklong stay at a beach house in the Bahamas, two hot air balloon rides, a day trip on a 43-foot yacht and a round of golf with Channel 13’s Doug Rafferty, among lots of other prizes up for bid.

Carnival games and a magician are also on the night’s schedule. Camden National Bank is the event sponsor.

FMI: 783-2249.

Copy the Story Link