Snowbird gives back
Renowned singer Anne Murray will meet fans, raise money for centre
Anne Murray has always been generous with her home community. She’s digging in again to support the Anne Murray Centre in Springhill.
Anne Murray will be returning to her hometown of Springhill to meet fans as part of the 28th anniversary of the centre that bears her name.
The turnout for Anne Murray Day averages from around 400 to 500 people, according to Wanita Shay, operations manager of the Anne Murray Centre.
“Without that day we wouldn’t be able to stay open,” she said. “We’re just a little non-profit, we don’t get a lot of funding. Without Anne we wouldn’t be here.”
The annual event is being held Saturday and raises funds for the operation of the Anne Murray Centre.
At 11:15 a.m. a VIP luncheon with the singer will be held at the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre, the centre named for her parents. Fans can purchase tickets to the luncheon for $200, which includes a meetand-greet and patron recognition on the Anne Murray website.
From 2 to 5 p.m. the public can meet Murray for free at the Anne Murray Centre and get autographs and photos.
Shay was unable to disclose the number of luncheon attendees but says the tickets this year have beat
the previous record. Attendees are coming from all over Canada, the United States and even as far as Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re thankful to anybody who shows up on that day,” said Shay. “But especially the VIP luncheon attendees, because some of them come every year and without
them we couldn’t keep going.”
Murray publicly retired from singing in 2008. However, you never know if the star will share a little tune.
“Last year someone had brought their guitar to be signed, and she started tuning the guitar and then just broke into song,”
said Shay. “A lot of people were super excited about that.”
The Anne Murray Day is part of the Maritime Music Fest in Springhill, highlighting Murray and other Maritime musicians. The festival also includes a dinner theatre parodying Murray fans, a songwriters’ circle and a concert.