Instead of an in-person event, Fort Ligonier’s annual Cannon Ball will be an online auction this year. The auction site will go live at noon Friday, with bidding open through 8 p.m. Sept. 18.
The online auction will feature exclusive items including print No. 2 of “Flash Point,” signed by the artist, Chas Fagan. The original painting hangs in the museum’s Washington Gallery and depicts George Washington’s dramatic “friendly fire” incident.
Other notable items include a cocktail lunch for six at the new Getaway Café by Ligonier’s Eastwood Inn, a Pike Run getaway package and canning lessons. There is no fee to bid. Bids can be made by texting fort1758 to 76278 from a mobile device or online at fort1758.givesmart.com.
“We didn’t want to miss an opportunity to engage with our fort friends and supporters while raising funds for important restoration work in the fort and the development of virtual school programs,” said Julie Donovan, director of marketing and public relations. “(Auction committee co-chairs Sandy Morgan and Anne Haines) chose an extremely easy, user-friendly format that we think everyone will find easy to use.”
The fort also is offering individual Party to Go Boxes featuring hors d’oeuvres by Vallozzi’s Restaurant. Order deadline is Friday for boxes to be picked up from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 18.
“We thought that small groups of friends who have socially distanced together could enjoy a ‘watch party’ with their food while bidding on items from the comfort of their homes,” Donovan said.
Also from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 18, Fort Ligonier will unveil and have available for purchase the new 1762 Whiskey from Wigle Whiskey of Pittsburgh, which was inspired by the Archibald Blane painting of Fort Ligonier that hangs in the museum’s History Gallery.
“An officer and an artist, Lt. Archibald Blane painted this stunning watercolor of Fort Ligonier when he was in command of the garrison in 1762. It is a favorite image in our collection and provides a rare, personal depiction of the frontier fortification,” said Erica Nuckles, director of history and collections.
The remaining 1762 Whiskey will be available for sale at the Fort Ligonier museum store from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 19.
The annual Cannon Ball raise funds for the fort’s education and restoration projects.
Details: 724-238-9701 or fortligonier.org
