We invite you to join us for this year’s annual Fitzgerald Gala on May 4, 2019! Our theme is "A Night at the Fair"! Come dressed in your 20s best and help us celebrate 30 years at the Fitz with a vintage-style carnival on the lawn! The evening will include food, drinks, a silent auction, carnival games, and even a magician! Step right up and get your picture at the photo booth, or maybe you would prefer to visit the silhouette artist! Why not both? It’s sure to be a great time! The Annual Gala is the museum’s primary fundraiser, and all proceeds from this event will go directly to preservation and restoration of the museum. We are honored to promote and preserve this literary legacy right here in Montgomery, Alabama, and we would love for you be a part of it.
CLICK HERE FOR GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS!
CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES!
FAQs
2019 Fitzgerald Gala FAQ
1. What is the Fitzgerald gala?
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum holds a gala event every year for its primary fundraiser. All proceeds from this event go directly to preservation and restoration of the museum, as well as community outreach and literacy programs. Of course, we also strive to throw a fun event that you will want to attend year after year! This year’s theme is a “A Night at the Fair.”
2. Why is the theme “A Night at the Fair”?
We chose to base this year’s event on one of Scott Fitzgerald’s short stories, “A Night at the Fair,” published in July 21, 1928 in the Saturday Evening Post. Our décor and entertainment will be centered around the theme, but the annual Fitzgerald gala will still have its upscale, elegant atmosphere.
3. If it is a carnival, will there be rides?
No. Although our theme is “A Night at the Fair” and we will include this theme in our décor and entertainment, the event is still intended to be an elegant fundraising gala for the museum. We will have some “carnival” style games and attractions, but no rides.
4. Is this an event for children?
We love your kids and welcome them to the museum, but we ask that you leave the little ones at home for the gala and come enjoy a night out!. We plan to have an open house at the museum Saturday morning with some activities geared toward children.
5. What is the dress code?
Though there is no strict dress code for the gala, we encourage you to dress in your best 1920s attire: flapper dresses, beads, bowler hats, and feathers are just a few ideas!
As an interesting note, in the beginning of “A Night at the Fair,” the main character is concerned that he does not meet the dress code, until his long trousers arrive by tailor minutes before he leaves for the big outing to the fair. Though we would now consider it getting “dressed up” to wear suits and long dresses to a fair, at the time it was typical.
6. What is included with my ticket?
Your ticket allows you admission into the gala, as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages. General admission tickets also include five carnival tickets, while VIP tickets include seven carnival tickets and a t-shirt.
7. On what can I use my carnival tickets?
Carnival tickets can be used for alcoholic beverages, games, and attractions that will be set up in and around the museum. Beer will be provided by Common Bond, and John Emerald Distilling Company is providing the liquor and fun cocktails for the evening. Wine will also be available.
8. Can I purchase additional tickets?
Please do! You can purchase more tickets when you arrive at the gala. We will also have volunteers walking around the gala who can sell additional tickets, as well as our “The Fitz” t-shirts.
9. Will there be music?
Of course! There will be 1920s style music by Hats and Spats, but that’s not all. We have more entertainment in store with music and dance by Bradyn Debsighn and partner, and magician Chris Baldwin. The event will be emceed by Katie Barrett, who has previously portrayed Zelda Fitzgerald. We will also have photo opportunities with some great vintage carnival characters, a photo booth, a silhouette artist, and a silent auction.
10. What items will be included in the silent auction?
We are still collecting items, but we have already received a number of high-quality items, gift certificates, and getaway packages. As of now, our silent auction donors include:
Arrowhead Country Club
Hotel Monteleone
SisCover Bedding
Café Louisa
Out of Print
Cahaba Brewing
Yellowhammer Brewery
Good People Brewing
Julian & Leslie McPhillips
Flying Bike Tours
Freedom Reporting
Shanlie Wolter, Silhouettes
Joel Kelly, Watercolor of Scott
Rex Parker, Poster of Karen Black from Gatsby
Terry Hale, Handblown Glass bead pendant
Capitol City Club
Vintage Café
Prevail Union
Firebirds
Café Dupont
Corbin Farms Winery
University of Alabama
Auburn University
Chris’s Hot Dogs
University of Georgia
11. Who are your sponsors?
We would not be able to put on such an amazing event for you without the help of our sponsors! A huge thank you to all of our sponsors: John Emerald Distilling, Common Bond Brewers, the Lowders , Julian & Leslie McPhillips, Beasley Allen, Baker Realtime, and David Hughes.