Stage

Have a Fling with Mabel

historic arts center celebrates 125 years with big events

Tom Giffey |

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This has been a year of celebration for the Mabel Tainter Center of the Arts, whose namesake building is marking its 125th anniversary as a beacon of culture in downtown Menomonie. When the beautiful Romanesque structure opened in 1890, it was hailed as “one of the finest and most imposing public buildings in the state,” a phrase that still rings true: Just last year, CNN Travel declared it one of the 15 most spectacular theaters in the world. The weekend of Sept. 25-26 will feature three distinct opportunities to celebrate. From 5-10pm Friday, Sept. 25, the whole community is invited to Mabel’s Fall Fling Music Night, during which Main Street will be hopping with live bands, food trucks, a street dance, and a beer and wine garden. The Fall Fling will continue on Saturday with Family Day activities from 11am to 4pm. The nearby UW-Stout plaza will be filled with games for kids and a historic photo booth; costumed actors portraying historic characters will stroll through downtown; tours will be offered at the theater, as will carriage rides between the theater and the historic Wilson Place; and there will be much more, including pony rides, food trucks, and a medallion hunt with a $125 prize. The evening will be capped off by the Mabel Tainter’s biggest fundraiser of the year: A Night at the Mabel, a semi-formal event, begins at 6pm. Noted pianist and singer Andrew Walesch and his trio will headline the evening’s entertainment; there will also be a live auction, a cash bar, and raffles, with prizes including Packers tickets, 100 bottles of wine, and a Chicago getaway. Attendance is limited to 200, so get your tickets pronto, and help ensure the Mabel Tainter lasts another 125 years.

Mabel Tainter 125th anniversary events • dates and times vary, see website for full details • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • (715) 235-0001 • mabeltainter.org