Waterville Chamber hosts Toast To America 250

WATERVILLE – The Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce is launching an event-filled 2026 with A Toast to America 250 Wine, Bourbon and Fine Art Auction on Saturday, March 21 at Nazareth Hall.

“All of our events incorporate some part of America’s 250th in everything,” Chamber Executive Director Michelle Smith told Waterville City Council during its Feb. 23 meeting. 

The art auction used to be a yearly tradition until the Covid-19 pandemic and is returning this year for the first time in seven years, she said. 

Doors open at 5 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres until 6 p.m., followed by dinner. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to place bids on silent auction items that include baskets with gift cards from local businesses and artwork including paintings, photos, glass and sculptures, added Lisa Exner, vice president of the Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission (AWAAC). 

Gathering with Smith and chamber board member Nancy Davidson last week, Exner unboxed donated artwork from Teri Lee, Tamra Mielke, Mark Luebke, Andrea Baker, Black Swamp Soaps, Fire Nation and Jack Schultz.

Tickets for the gala are $95.00 each or $175 a couple and include dinner and wine and bourbon tastings, as well as a DJ, raffle and the silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Anthony Wayne Neighborhood Bridges, a nonprofit that provides assistance to AW-area families in need.

Davidson, a Mary Kay consultant, is providing a free limousine service from 9 to 11 p.m. to transport guests from the venue back home. Suggested attire can range from business to cocktail, but the only limit is no jeans, Smith said.

“We don’t want people not to come because they don’t want to rent a tux,” said Smith, answering a question from a council member.

The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, March 6. Nazareth Hall is located at 21211 River Rd. in Grand Rapids.

Other upcoming events include Community Garage Sales from Thursday, June 4 through Saturday June 6; a golf outing on Friday, July 17; the annual Roche de Boeuf Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19; and the Boo to Do in downtown Waterville on Thursday, Oct. 29.

“We have been blessed to have Michelle leading the chamber. The board hosts a lot of activities, like business openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies,” noted Mayor Tim Pedro.