With the annual Railway Days festival gearing up to begin on Aug. 11, plans are well underway at the Revelstoke Railway Museum for its annual dinner and silent auction fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 12. This popular outdoor event has been dubbed the Last Spike Dinner and Silent Auction in honour of the significance of the driving of the last spike and will be held in Rotary Park on the museum grounds.
Along with great food, many wonderful silent auction items to choose from, and support from many local and regional businesses and organizations, the museum is pleased to have Abe Zacharias as its mainline entertainment for the evening. Abe has been a country/western singer and songwriter for over 35 years. He has received numerous awards and has made high profile appearances, including on stage at the Grand Ole Oprey in 1993. The winner of the Golden Heart Award for Male Vocalist of the Year for the U.S. and Canada in 1997, Abe went on to win the Silver Crown Award for both countries three years in succession and was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Gospel Music Guild Convention in Nashville. Abe has recorded 13 albums and has had radio airplay of his original music played all over the world. In 2002, he opened for Paul Brandt at a concert in Salmon Arm after meeting the Canadian country music star who told him that Abe’s music was an inspiration for him and influenced his decision to pursue a music career. A unique connection between this successful musician and the railway museum is the fact that Abe spent a number of years as a CP employee at watch stations in Rogers Pass. “We have been told he has some interesting stories to tell, so we are looking forward to having him join us,” says Jennifer Dunkerson, Executive Director of the Railway Museum, “Bringing with him an appreciation for railway history as well as his gift of performance, this is an event not to miss!” All proceeds from this event will go to the operation of the museum so, along with a good time, ticket holders will be supporting a good cause!
Tickets to this extraordinary event are only $25 and may be obtained by calling the museum at 250-837-6060, or by stopping in during regular museum hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. More information about Railway Days may be found at www.railwaydays.com. More information about Abe Zacharias may be found at www.azmusic.ca.
~Contributed story
