The Fireside - Church Basement Ladies Last Potluck

 

The Church Basement Ladies in the Last (Potluck) Supper

The Fireside Dinner Theatre

July 10-11, 2025

 

If you have not yet had the experience of attending a performance at the Fireside in Fort Atkinson, WI, this is your perfect opportunity. The Church Basement Ladies series is a collection of musical comedies that celebrate the humor and heart of small-town church life, particularly focusing on the women who work tirelessly in the church basement kitchen. These have been favorites of our Trailways Travelers. You will also enjoy the wonderful food served in the Fireside’s elegant dining rooms and the boutique shopping area for guests to explore before the show. We have included an earlier arrival time t the theatre so that you will have plenty of time to peruse the boutique before dinner and the show.

 

Day 1: Thursday, July 10, 2025

Depart from the available location of your choice aboard a luxury Burlington Trailways motorcoach, where you’ll be welcomed by a friendly host and professional driver. Enjoy the comfort and relaxation of the journey as you head toward your destination, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Along the way, take a break for lunch, on your own, recharging for the exciting day ahead. Then, continue your journey to our overnight hotel, the Country Inn & Suites – Fort Atkinson. Have some time to relax and freshen up before departing for the Fireside Dinner Theatre, where you’ll experience a fantastic production of The Church Basement Ladies in the Last (Potluck) Supper.

 

Begin with some time built in for shopping the Fireside’s iconic boutique-style gift shops, 5 in total, before having dinner this evening before the show. Partake in a buffet dinner featuring their Signature Salad topped with Papaya Chutney Dressing and served with Freshly Baked Breads. On the Buffet, you will choose from these Fireside favorites: Barbecued Pork Back Ribs, Chicken Tenderloin Tempura with Brandied Apricot Sauce, Beer Batter Fried Cod, Shrimp and Scallops Fusilli with Tomato Butter Sauce, Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Beef Tenderloin and Roast Turkey from the Carving Station, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Whipped Idaho Potatoes and Steamed Farm Fresh Vegetables; plus two more items that change with each show. Be sure to save room for some Lemon Chess Pie for dessert. Coffee, Tea, and Milk are included. After dinner you will move into the theatre to take your seat for tonight’s production.

 

Inspired by the books of Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, these plays are set in rural Minnesota during the mid-20th century and revolve around the quirky yet lovable church ladies as they navigate faith, food, and fellowship. In this one the ladies are preparing for the church’s final potluck in the basement, marking the end of an era as they gather to celebrate the church’s centennial. The play takes you on a nostalgic journey through the past 100 years, as the ladies reminisce about decades of cooking, caring, and community. With their trademark humor, warmth, and camaraderie, the women navigate the emotional and humorous aspects of change, blending heartfelt moments with plenty of laughs. This installment, filled with lively music and touching memories, continues to highlight the resilient, quirky, and loving nature of these beloved characters while wrapping up their long-running story in a memorable and meaningful way.

 

We return to our hotel for the remainder of the evening.

 

Day 2: Friday, July 11, 2025

We’ve allowed some time for you to be able to have a leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel before we depart today. As we begin our journey back home we make a stop in beautiful Lake Geneva and board one of the cruise boats for a luncheon cruise today where you can take in the beauty of one of Wisconsin’s most scenic destinations. Embark on a relaxing boat cruise across the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, surrounded by stunning shoreline estates and lush landscapes. The cruise includes a delicious lunch served onboard, allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the panoramic views of the lake and its iconic landmarks.

 

As you glide across the water, the gentle breeze and the sounds of nature create a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment. The knowledgeable crew may share fascinating stories about the history and sights of the area, enhancing the experience with a touch of local culture. It’s a great end to an outing providing an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, great food, and fun.

 

Back on shore we board our motorcoach to return us back home with some lasting memories and perhaps a new friend or two you may meet along the way.

 

Tour Pricing:

$475.00 per person double

$530.00 single

Non-Members Please Add $30

 

Tour Includes:

• Deluxe Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation

• On-Board Friendly Host

• 1 Night Hotel Accommodations

• 3 Meals Including the Evening Signature Buffet at Fireside Dinner Theatre and a Luncheon Cruise

• Church Basement Ladies in the Last (Potluck) Supper

  at The Fireside Dinner Theatre

• Luncheon Cruise on Lake Geneva

 

Deposit & Final Payment: A $150 deposit per person is required within one week of reservation. Must be paid in full by May 26, 2025.

No refunds will be issued after 5:00pm on May 26, 2025.

 

Activity Level 2: RELAXED

Expectations: This tour requires light physical activity combined with shorter travel days. Tour members should expect intermittent walking, with occasional slight inclines and stair climbs, including boarding the motorcoach. Activities may include an occasional city or nature walking tour, stopping along the way. Guests should be able to climb a set of stairs, walk up or down slight slopes and navigate some uneven terrain or cobblestone. Please be aware that on tours with flights and cruises you will be required to handle your own luggage and walk longer distances in airports and cruise terminals. In addition, you may need to handle your own luggage at hotels where luggage handling is not available.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are somewhat physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).

 

Travel Protection:

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden illness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience we offer a Travel Protection plan provided by the United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by Trip Mate, Inc.; in UT and CA, DBA Trip Mate Insurance. To review full plan details online, go to www.tripmate.com/wpTPD040 for domestic tours valued up to $4,000 per person or to www.tripmate.com/wpTPG040 for all international tours or domestic tours valued over $4,000 per person.