“Ribs & Ragtime” presented by Amherstburg Freedom Museum

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum mixed food and music last weekend as part of their annual fundraiser.

The museum presented its Ribs & Ragtime fundraiser Saturday evening and the 12th ever event proved to be popular once again. The crowd assembled outside on the museum’s front lawn and into King St. to enjoy a chicken and rib dinner catered by Car Barn and the music of Six Degrees.

Museum curator/administrator MaryKatherine Whelan said this year’s Ribs & Ragtime came together well.

“It’s been good,” said Whelan. “We sold out and we are thankful for the support of the museum.”

A sell-out for the event translated into 180 tickets sold.

“It’s one of our signature fundraisers,” said Whelan. “It helps us stay open year-round.”

Whelan attributes the events popularity to the fact that it is different than other events the Amherstburg Freedom Museum presents.

“It’s a fun event,” said Whelan. “Out of our events, it’s somewhat unique. It’s outdoors and most of our events are not.”

Things are starting to pick up once again for the museum, she added.

“Attendance is picking up,” stated Whelan. “We’re experiencing a busy summer based on the attendance so far this year.”

Whelan said the museum was thankful for its sponsors and donors. Sponsors for Ribs & Ragtime included the James H. Sutton Funeral Home and Gilligan’s Fire Grill. She also said the museum is grateful for the support of the Detroit Memorial Park Association.