Courtesy photo Offering a peek at this year’s quilt collection include, left to right, Betty Lou Wirtanen, Wanita Vigness, Susan Kangas — all from the Ironwood area — Karen Johnson, of Amberg, Wis.; Jeannie Milakovich, of Ironwood; and Mary Poirier, of Ishpeming.

CRYSTAL FALLS — Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp celebrates the season with its Fall Fest and Quilt Auction Saturday, October 1. Participants can choose from two formats: on site and in person on Oct. 1 or online in a silent auction from Sept. 21 through Oct. 1.

The “live” Fall Fest begins at 9:30 a.m. CT in the auditorium with quilt viewing and shopping for smaller handmade items in the corner country store. A continental breakfast will be served by donation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the dining hall and homemade bakery will be sold on the deck.

At 11 a.m., 30 juried quilts and other original creations will be auctioned off in a lively exchange led by returning auctioneer Pastor Cori Johnson. The auction will conclude with a drawing for specialty items offered in a “draffle” format.

More than 50 additional quilts of various sizes will be presented online in a silent virtual auction format from Sept. 21 through Oct. 1. Registration for the virtual event can be accessed through a link on fortunelake.org. All of the auction items — both live and virtual — can also be previewed there.

The annual fundraiser is organized by a group of dedicated women who call themselves Sisters of the Cloth. Nearly every month throughout the year, quilters gather at the camp to work on group projects and take others home to work on individually. Quilted creations and other handmade items are also contributed by individuals and groups from member congregations and other generous donors.

“We are excited to welcome back visitors to Fortune Lake for our annual Fall Fest,” said Amanda Rasner, camp director. “This year’s quilts, handmade items, and ‘draffle’ prizes are spectacular. Like recent years, our in-person event will be lively and fun, and there will also be an opportunity to participate virtually through our online auction.”

According to Rasner, no campers are ever denied the Fortune Lake Camp experience due to inability to pay.

“Your support of this event makes camp available to all people,” said Rasner. “I’m thankful for the talented quilters, hardworking volunteers, and generous donors who make it all possible. Join us in supporting the ministry of this place of grace.”