Stratford Perth Museum celebrates 22nd annual Innkeeper’s Dinner

Cedric Smith and Ben Bolt-Martin brought laughter along with lively music at the Stratford Perth Museum’s annual Innkeeper’s Dinner, a fundraising event hosted at the Tom Patterson Theatre.

If readers have ever been able to enjoy the Stratford Perth Museum Innkeepers Dinner in the past, then they know what a night it has become over the years.

For the first time in its history, general manager Kelly McIntosh welcomed the many supporters of the museum to the Tom Patterson Theatre’s Lazaridis Hall on Oct. 18 for a night of good food, entertainment and fun, while at the same time, raising thousands for the museum.

It is no secret that the local museum stays busy year-round, bringing in more activities and talents, whether in the museum or at the outdoor Player’s Theatre throughout the year.

This year’s dinner, which was rebranded simply as Innkeepers’ 2025, featured a special performance by long-time festival actor Cedric Smith on his guitar, accompanied on the string base by Ben Bolt-Martin, who offered a musical interlude that captured the soul of the museum, along with art, story and community in harmony.

This year, the museum honoured the memory of long-time supporters Bill Strawbridge, DeAnna DesLaurer and Harry Visser. Their generosity enriched the Stratford Perth Museum, and whose lives were celebrated by everyone in the community.

The night was also enriched by Stratford storyteller Garvia Bailey, who brought to the evening some reflections of Black history (including her own) in Stratford and areas of Perth County.

Capping off the night was a silent auction of many local specialty products and then a live auction with Brent Shackleton that featured auction items like a night of music with Dayna Manning and a night with Walt Wingfield, to name only a couple.

At evening’s end, McIntosh thanked all those involved in “keeping the museum a happening place.”

She thanked the Innkeepers’ committee chaired by Tina Grasby, Ann Walsh and sponsors Home and Company, Rhéo Thompson Candies, Samsonite, Swanson’s Jewellers, Stonetown Cheese, Jim Player Carpentry, investStratford, Orr Insurance and Investment, Stratford Blooms, Wild Hog Country Market and the Leonor.

She hopes to see everyone again next year, to help celebrate their 23rd annual dinner.