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Safari theme as annual event is slated for April 11 at the GEL
A noted author and speaker is set to deliver the keynote address, and there will be a Safari theme at an annual event sponsored by the Ely Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrate Ely is slated for Thursday, April 11 at the Grand Ely Lodge.
In addition to dinner, a social hour and recognition of the Chamber’s annual award winners, the event will feature an appearance by speaker Steve Fredlund, and the Chamber has once again come up with a special theme for the event.
After going with Survivor and 1960s themes the last two years, the Chamber will play off the visit by Fredlund, who is known as the “Safari Guy,” with a safari theme.
Attendees are encouraged to “dust of your hiking booths and put on your pith helmet.”
“We are pulling out all the stops as we have done the last several years at Celebrate Ely,” said Eva Sebesta, the executive director at the Chamber. “Last year we had the Groovy 60s theme, the year before was the Survivor theme, so we are raising the bar and going all out safari. While a costume is not required to attend, we certainly encourage attendees to dress up as a safari adventurer or a favorite animal. ”
The annual event, a spinoff of what was once known as “Smile, You’re in Ely,” also includes a special keynote speaker.
Fredlund is a safari enthusiast, visionary, coach, and consultant. He is a two-time TEDx speaker and author of “Do the Right Thing,” just released in January.
His message, “The Safari Way to Greater Happiness” will provide attendees with five key tips to reduce stress and find greater happiness in life.
“Life and work are like an African safari, an ongoing experience blending excitement and stress,” said Fredlund. “When we apply the same intentionality that goes into a safari to the rest of our life, we find ourselves more engaged, less burnt out, and happier in both work and our personal lives.”
Door prizes are part of the event and the Chamber will announce the winners of its annual awards, including the Jackpine Bob Cary Spirit, Good Citizen Volunteer, Excellence in Customer Service and Good Neighbor Business awards.
The evening starts with a 4:30 p.m. social hour featuring a cash bar, and a buffet dinner follows featuring barbeque beef, honey glazed ham, vegetable lasagna and more.
Tickets are $30 per person. To reserve tickets, contact the Ely Chamber of Commerce office at 218-365--6123, and more information can be found at www.ely.org/ CelebrateEly “Celebrate Ely is focused on bringing our community together and having fun, while recognizing what an amazing place we live in. We live on the edge of a wilderness area in arguably the most beautiful place on earth, surrounded by a community of people that love this place we all call home,” added Sebesta.
