Bootleggers and Big Bands: A Speakeasy Fundraiser + Online Silent Auction
April 25 — Step into the shadows and sparkle of the Roaring '20s and Gangster '30s for an unforgettable Speakeasy experience. The excitement starts early with our online silent auction, open for bidding April 1–26.
Bootleggers and Big Bands: A Speakeasy Fundraiser
Saturday, April 25 @ 7 PM CDT
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2026-04-25 19:00:53
2026-04-25 23:00:19
America/Chicago
Bootleggers and Big Bands: A Speakeasy Fundraiser
<p><strong>DATE:</strong> Saturday, April 25<br><strong>TIME:</strong> 7-11 pm<br><strong>LOCATION: </strong>The Scandia Creamery, 21279 Olinda Trail North, Scandia, MN<br><br>Welcome to the Scandia Speakeasy, where you’ll experience an evening of history, intrigue, and swing! The night begins with legendary true-crime historian Paul Maccabee, author of <em>John Dillinger Slept Here</em>, who will share riveting stories from the mob era in St. Paul—including surprising connections to Scandia. From Dillinger’s secret hideout on Big Marine Lake to the larger-than-life characters of the Prohibition era, Maccabee brings Minnesota’s colorful past vividly to life.</p><p style="text-align: left">After true crime tales, enjoy spirited Big Band music and dance with <strong>Riverside Swing</strong>. Experienced dancers will be on hand to teach classic swing moves—or just relax at your seat and enjoy hot horns and vintage vocals.</p><p style="text-align: left">Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest Roaring '20s and '30s attire—think pinstripes, fringe, fedoras, and flapper flair—for a night inspired by the glamour of the Great Gatsby era.</p><p style="text-align: left">Appetizers and dessert will be served, and your reservation includes one drink ticket redeemable for house beer or wine. A cash bar will also feature Prohibition-era cocktails.</p><p style="text-align: left">The fun extends beyond the dance floor with our silent auction. Online bidding opens April 1 and continues through midnight on April 26. Select auction items will be on display at the Speakeasy event, and new items will be added as we approach the launch date. To preview items and register to bid, select the AUCTION tab above.</p><p style="text-align: left">Slip into the speakeasy, raise a glass, dance the night away—or try your luck in the silent auction. However you choose to take part, every ticket and bid helps support a great cause: Scandia Heritage Alliance history and heritage programs and Raising of the WATER TOWER BARN.</p><p style="text-align: left"><br><span style="font-size: 24px"><strong>EVENING SCHEDULE:</strong></span><br><span style="color: rgb(119, 66, 18); font-size: 18px"><strong>7 pm - Social Gathering, Appetizers, Cash Bar</strong></span><br><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34)">Arrive early to enjoy appetizers and a drink, chat with guests, and find your seat for an evening of fun. Your ticket includes one drink ticket, an appetizer buffet, and dessert. </span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(119, 66, 18); font-size: 18px"><strong>7:30 pm - Paul Maccabee Presents "John Dillinger Slept Here" </strong></span><br>Chicago outlaw John Dillinger didn’t just rob banks — he hid out at a cabin on Big Marine Lake and was reportedly spotted raising a glass at a local saloon. <strong>Scandia, meet your gangster past.</strong></p><p>Acclaimed crime historian Paul Maccabee, author of <em>John Dillinger Slept Here: A Crooks’ Tour of Crime and Corruption in St. Paul, 1920–1936</em>, brings the Prohibition underworld roaring back to life. From Alvin Karpis and Ma Barker to Baby Face Nelson — and, of course, John Dillinger — you’ll hear tales of hideouts, heists, corruption, and close calls from the mob era of St. Paul — <strong>a world that occasionally extended its reach to the quiet shores of Big Marine Lake.</strong> Drawing on local rumors and history, this presentation reveals Scandia's own brush with the infamous Dillinger.</p><p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: rgb(119, 66, 18); font-size: 18px"><strong>8:15 pm - Dessert Served Tableside</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: rgb(119, 66, 18); font-size: 18px"><strong>8:30 - 10:30 pm - Hot Horns and Sharp Suits with Riverside Swing</strong></span><br>After tales of the underworld, it’s time to celebrate the music that defined the Big Band era. This high-energy vintage swing band brings the sound to life with guitar, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, upright bass, drums, and smooth vintage vocals. The horns are hot, the rhythm is irresistible — and these cats are unforgettable.</p><p style="text-align: left">A dynamic swing dance duo will kick things off with a lively demonstration, then teach a few moves before opening the floor. Prefer to stay seated? The music alone will make for an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping entertainment.</p><p style="text-align: left"> </p><p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 24px"><strong>FUNDRAISING CAUSE</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: left"><strong>Half the cost of your event ticket is a donation to Scandia Heritage Alliance.</strong> Thank you for supporting our mission to preserve and celebrate Scandia's rich history, culture, arts, and rural character!</p><p style="text-align: left">Scandia Heritage Alliance is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community connection and pride. Your support helps us bring stories to life through our History Series programs, create meaningful museum exhibits, expand the Scandia Heritage Trail, protect historic places, and continue planning and development of <strong>WATER TOWER BARN SCANDIA arts and heritage center.</strong></p><p>Together, we’re building a vibrant Scandia and St. Croix Valley!</p><p> </p><p><img src="https://givebutter.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/b6e6VS4ppFMv39DCiQ5XwYcNd1nG0dLFpPKofTbe.png" alt style="max-width: 598px; width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"><br><br></p><p style="text-align: center"><img src="https://givebutter.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/PLWLU1xu9JDkds62EpCBK6H9CVyBYJzxUSw6EonA.jpg" alt style="max-width: 746px; width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"><br><br></p><p style="text-align: center"><img src="https://givebutter.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sixVTWRw1LsSbi50yk1ceJmUb6mk1EHwgvzcIoOp.jpg" alt style="max-width: 589px; width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"></p>
21279 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073, USA
