Ports of Call Celebrates Schooner Coast

“Sail-abration” of the Schooner Coast is the theme at the Door County Maritime Museum’s annual Ports of Call Gala Friday, July 1, on the Museum’s waterfront grounds in Sturgeon Bay.

The majestic towering masts or Wisconsin’s flagship, the three-masted schooner Denis Sullivan, will highlight the dining and dancing extravaganza. Stroll the decks of the Sullivan and enjoy delicious culinary specialties from Door Peninsula restaurants and the rockin’ hot music of “Little Vito and the Torpedoes.”

Festivities at the Museum, 120 N. Madison Ave., begin at 5:30 pm and continue until 11:30 pm. Tickets are $65 per person and can be obtained by calling the museum at 920.743.5958 or visiting http://www.dcmm.org.

The menu features nearly a dozen appetizers and entrees each to be followed up by a selection of eight desserts, all spotlighting more than 30 restaurants and culinary establishments stretching from the tip of the Door Peninsula south into Kewaunee County.

On an average day, the cost of operating the Door County Maritime Museum is greater than the income from fees, membership and other revenue. The annual Anchor Appeal, which is the benefactor of the gala, exists to close the financial gap. For every donation of $25 to the Anchor Appeal (the Museum’s operating fund) or participation in 2011’s Sponsor A Day program, you’ll receive an entry in a “thank you” drawing which is one of a number of drawings and raffles planned for the evening.

A live auction will also be held featuring such items at a seven-course “TugTanic Dinner” aboard the Tug “John Purves”. The Ports of Call Committee will prepare and serve selections from the last menu served on the Titanic. Some additional auction/raffle items are a toddler boat rocker, a day sail for six by Highland Piper Cruises Captain Keith Bagley, and “Lake Guardians” original watercolor by Karsten Topelmann.

Then dance the night away to the high energy music of “Little Vito and the Torpedoes,” the immensely popular full-bodied band from Madison.