OSCODA – The organizing committee for the AuSable River Canoe Marathon (ARCM) brought comedy to the AuSable Inn Riverview Restaurant and Sports Bar on Saturday, April 12.
The comedy fundraiser show started at 7:50 p.m. with Valerie Heffelbower who served as the emcee. Heffelbower is from South Branch in northeast Michigan.
The first act was Melissa Hager. Heffelbower said that Hager had changed her life in so many ways by making her laugh and becoming her friend. Hager, who is from Millington, near Frankenmuth, has performed nationwide.
Hager, noting the size of the crowd, which was a sellout, asked “who’s at the Dollar Store?” Then she acknowledged the many people in the crowd who were celebrating their birthdays.
Hager played off the crowd with her quick wit and jabs.
She thanked Elena MacKenzie, whose birthday it was, and Jackie MacKenzie for having the comics stay at the Anchorage Inn Retreat Center. Hager encouraged everyone to go to Frankenmuth in June for the Santa Claus convention.
She told stories about growing up on a farm and winning the golden hoe award in 1994. Part of her routine focused on the ease of Trunk or Treat compared to what kids in the 1980s had to go through to get candy on Halloween.
Hager kept the sell out crowd laughing and clapping until 8:50.
Russ Brown, who has performed more than 50 times in Iraq for the troops, was the headliner. Brown talked about how being a comic allowed him to date outside of his league because women love comics. He finished his set with a story of a bar fight that took place while he was doing a comedy show.
ARCM volunteer and local resident Mike Stephenson wrapped up the night with a five minute set.
ARCM co-chair Kathy Erickson said she was amazed at the number of people who attended the event. Ron Matthews, who has finished the ARCM 17 times, also attended the event.
Chinese raffle prizes were provided by ARCO, AuSable Inn, AuSable River Store, Family Fare, Glennie Tavern, Hungry Howies, Huntington Bank, Huron Community Bank, Huron Property Services, Jus Create, Office Lounge, Oscoda Area Schools, Parkside Dairy, Roger’s, Salon 121, George and Marilyn Samra, Sherni’s Candies, To the Moon and Back, Vista Lanes, and Wellman’s.
All of the tickets for the 50/50 raffle were sold with the winner receiving $282.50.
Given the success of the event, future comedy nights are being planned.