"The legend lives on."
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, the Lewiston Council on the Arts presents "A Tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald" at the Brickyard Brewing Company, 436 Center St., Lewiston. This multisensory/multimedia tribute will be hosted by artist and Edmund Fitzgerald enthusiast, Thomas Paul Asklar, who will commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the disaster.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, also known as the "Mighty Fitz," was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in a Lake Superior storm on Nov. 10, 1975, with the loss of the entire crew of 29. Asklar will remember ship members during a short presentation, as he explains the ship's history, the timeline of the tragedy, and theories of its destruction. A tolling of the bell will honor each crewmember.
Musicians Bruce Wojick, Jamie Holka, Dave Thurman and special guest Jeremy Hoyle of Strictly Hip will perform songs with a nautical theme, including Gordon Lightfoot's most famous musical tribute, the "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Special guest artist Commodore Justin Higner of Maritime Artworks will exhibit a model sculpture of the Mighty Fitz. Higner currently has a show titled "From Stem to Stern" at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University.
Additionally, "Edmund Fitzgerald Porter," made by Great Lakes Brewery, will be on tap all night, while prizes and giveaways will add to the fun.
This event is free for LCA members, and $5 for general admission.
•The Mighty Fitz 5K race starts at 2 p.m. in front of the Brickyard Pub & BBQ, 432 Center St., Lewiston. The race will take runners through the Village of Lewiston, Artpark and along the Niagara River waterfront. There will be a post-race celebration and awards ceremony at the Brickyard following the race with food, Edmund Fitzgerald beer specials, special edition "Mighty Fitz" commemorative T-shirts, and live music by Zak Ward.
