Museum to host “Fund Raisin’ for a Barn Raisin’”

LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Rural Museum will host its annual “Fund Raisin’ for a Barn Raisin’” on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds – Harley-Davidson Building. The event will feature a barbecue dinner, with all proceeds going to the fund to construct a permanent facility for the museum.

“The museum is operated by an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the rural history of the Antelope Valley,” said Giovanni “G” Simi, Chairman of the Antelope Valley Rural Museum (AVRM) Board of Directors. “Currently, AVRM is open during the annual Fair, as well as by appointment for field trips and similar activities. Our goal is to build a permanent home for the many exhibits and artifacts we continue to collect, thus ensuring that our community’s rural history and culture are preserved for generations to come.”

AVRM’s current exhibits include tributes to the members of the Rural Olympics Hall of Fame, a comprehensive history of the community queens of the Antelope Valley, miniatures of historic Antelope Valley sites such as a blacksmith’s shop and the Borax Twenty Mule Team, a tribute to local veterans, and a temporary exhibit on loan from the Antelope Valley Indian Museum.

Also on display are historic artifacts operated on Antelope Valley farms, such as tractors, classic vehicles, and a windmill.

In a nod to the Valley’s rich aerospace culture, model planes and off-the-wall artifacts such as a tire from the space shuttle are integrated with the more traditional rural exhibits.

The museum will be open to the public throughout the fundraising event.

“We welcome the public to join us and learn more about our community’s history,” said Simi.

This year’s fundraiser will also feature AVRM’s inaugural Indoor Horseshoe Tournament. Check-in and practice will take place from 8 to 10 a.m., with the tournament running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is $20 per person, and positions will be drawn at random. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place.

The “Fund Raisin’ for a Barn Raisin’” dinner will include a raffle, 50/50 drawing, and games. Dinner tickets are $40 each. To purchase dinner tickets, contact Bill Rawlings at 661-478-4841. For questions or entry into the horseshoe tournament,call Jess Baker at 661-733-6555.

For further information about the Antelope Valley Rural Museum or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.avmuseum.org.

[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Rural Museum.]

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