About Us

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Festival Halle on Main Street in Reedville is closed because the wooden structures under the floor are decaying and need replacement (see some of the damage in the picture above). Additionally, we must bring Festival Halle up to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local code requirements. We are planning to reopen in  2025 provided we receive enough funding to complete the renovations. We urgently need your help to save Festival Halle.

The history

In 2009, the Birkel family donated Festival Halle to the Reedville Fishermen's Museum (RFM) and its parent the Greater Reedville Association. Festival Halle, originally built in 1909, burned and replaced in 1927, was first Reedville High School and later the Reedville Primary School. Since 2009, Festival Halle has been a critical component of the Reedville Fishermen's Museum’s community outreach and educational mission. The building, which is nearing 100 years old, is an important part of the Reedville and Northumberland County community. The Reedville Fishermen's Museum has used the building for various events like lectures, meetings, auctions, and exhibits. In the past, the community has rented the space for high school proms, anniversary parties, wedding receptions, class reunions, Queen’s Ball, Quinceaneras, birthdays and local club events. Since Festival Halle closed, Northumberland High School students have had to drive to Warsaw for their 2024 prom.

Festival Halle plays an essential part in our community. Its use brings people together to learn, celebrate, interact, and form community relationships. We must have Festival Halle to serve our community needs by supporting a wide range of programs, age groups, and demographics. It is a beautiful, elegant space and one which we should restore for future generations to enjoy. 

Save Festival Halle Community Committee

A group of community members formed a committee to assess and complete the restoration and repair. The committee has individuals with expertise in architecture, renovation, contracting, engineering, economic development, nonprofit management, marketing, event planning, communications and advertising. The committee members are Diane McGuire, Shauna McCranie, Bruce Samuelson, Martha Tallent, Martha Hill, Mark Barry, Charles Seldon, Priscilla Fink, Kathleen Ennen, Thom Ennen, Gayle Sterrett, John Sterrett, Lakiko Cockrell, Rebecca Haynie, Taylor Diehl and Bill Knight. Diane McGuire and Bruce Samuelson are RFM Board Members. Shauna McCranie is the RFM Executive Director. 

Planning 

The committee has been working since spring of 2023 to develop a viable plan of execution. They will soon be ready to begin construction but need to find the remaining funds. The committee estimates the cost for the renovation and restoration to be $750,000.00.  The current goal is to raise $500,000 by Fall 2025 with the remainder later in the year.  This goal will be achieved through grants and individual community gifts.

Fundraising

The Cooke family who owns Omega Protein has pledged a very generous challenge donation of $250,000. Our committee has donated over $10,000 in money and in-kind items and raised an additional $100,000. Two local sponsors held three Aquapaloza concerts and raised nearly $30,000 for the renovations. An anonymous donor has pledged a $10,000 matching challenge donation in memory of Claire Michie, a beloved Reedville acupuncturist.  The committee is actively seeking grants from foundations and government agencies. However, we have a lot of work ahead because some grants require matching funds. Watch our fundraising thermometer in front of Festival Halle.

To save Festival Halle, we urgently need the community to help by providing funds for the phased renovation. First, we will renovate and restore the structure under the flooring. Then, we will encapsulate it and take remedial steps to prevent further damage. The second phase will be drainage and landscaping. If sufficient funds are raised, the third phase will include the addition of a commercial kitchen. We have developed a draft marketing and relaunch plan to maximize community use of this restored event venue and its path to self-sufficiency.

New exhibit at RFM

We are showcasing Festival Halle in a new exhibit at the Reedville Fishermen's Museum. Please share your photos and memories from years past with us, and we will include them.  Email your Festival Halle photos to office@rfmuseum.org with captions or bring them to the museum office.

Donate today to double your dollars

Please help save Festival Halle. Donate today to make double the difference! Every dollar you give will be added to our matching gift fund.