The Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp in Crystal Falls will have its Fall Fest and Quilt Auction on Saturday, Oct. 4. A virtual auction opens Wednesday at fortunelake.org, where this year's items can also be viewed. (Submitted photo)

CRYSTAL FALLS — Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp will celebrate the season with its Fall Fest and Quilt Auction taking place Saturday, Oct. 4.

Participants can choose from two formats: onsite in person Oct. 4 or online in a virtual auction starting Wednesday through Oct. 4.

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

At 11 a.m. Central, 30 juried quilts will be auctioned off in an exchange led by auctioneer Soren Schmidt, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell. The auction will conclude with a drawing for specialty items offered in a raffle format.

Sixty-five quilts of various sizes will be presented online in a silent virtual auction format from Wednesday through 5 p.m. Central time Oct. 4. 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, these 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.

“Since Fortune Lake Camp’s first Fall Fest in 1997, many volunteers have contributed to the success of this major fundraiser,” said Mary Poirier, lead organizer from Ishpeming. “This year, we have just under 100 quilts, knitted and crocheted items. Quilts range in size from children’s to queen size. The Sisters of the Cloth made and donated approximately half of the quilts, with the remainder donated by individuals, church groups and one quilt shop.”

“I’m thankful for the talented quilters, hardworking volunteers, and generous donors who make Fall Fest possible,” said Amanda Rasner, camp director. “Join us for a lively in-person event Oct. 4 or go to the website to participate virtually through our online auction. Your support of this event helps to make outdoor ministry available to everyone!”

Fortune Lake Camp is 3 miles west of Crystal Falls on U.S. 2.