Legacy Ball

Improving the lives of Frankenmuth's citizens, one event at a time!

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April 25, 2026!



About the Event...

The 2026 Legacy Ball will be held on Saturday, April 25th at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Cocktail hour begins at 4:30pm. Plan to join in for an evening of fellowship, fine dining, derby races and good old fashioned fun while raising funds for the 2026 will go to the Frankenmuth Women’s Club and be the Opening Act in the efforts to “Raise the Roof,” replacing the Palmer Schau Platz metal roof. Individual event tickets will be available for purchase on this website at the end of March.


The event is a derby theme, incorporating the iconic Dachshund dog. Top sponsors receive and decorate their “dog” in the race. (Don’t worry, no live dogs, just wooden ones!) Guests are encouraged to don your bow tie or fascinator and bet on your favorite dog in this interactive racing event. Prizes include Best Dressed Attendees, Best Dressed Dog, Bucket Raffle Winners and of course, a Dachshund Derby Champion.


The event also features hors d’oeuvres, complimentary beer and wine, an expertly prepared multi-course meal, great bucket raffle prizes, and entertainment. This is an event you won’t want to miss!


Purpose of the Event...

Each year, the Foundation accepts applications from local organizations engaging in a major project who are seeking help in raising funds. The Legacy Ball has raised over $292,000 in the last five years for the following projects: Frankenmuth Little Angels Foundation, Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee’s Willkommen sign, Frankenmuth Lions Club Biergarten, Frankenmuth Historical Association's renovation and expansion, and the Frankenmuth Chamber’s Ice Rink. We look forward to raising funds for our next partner in 2026!


About Our 2026 Partner...

Each year, the Frankenmuth Community Foundation accepts applications from local organizations engaging in a major project who are seeking help in raising funds. The chosen organization becomes the partner for the current year's Legacy Ball, which is a Dachshund Derby event. The funds raised from this year's event will be used to help the 2026 partner organization- the Frankenmuth Women's Club!

In 1954, twelve Frankenmuth women formed what was called the "Home Extension Group” which grew to become The Frankenmuth Women’s Club. These women worked to raise funds to serve their community in the form of a swimming pool, city beautification initiatives, and assisting in building the Frankenmuth Wickson Library.  Additional FWC projects include the high school scholarship program, the Edelweiss Award, the Holiday Home Tour, the Christmas Giving Project, and donations to local Police and Fire Depts. This philanthropic group of women has grown to an active membership of 110 women who live and/or work in Frankenmuth.


The commitment of The Frankenmuth Women's Club to the Palmer Shau Platz has been the most significant and ambitious project in the nonprofit club's history.  Planning for the bandshell began in the 1990s with the FWC raising $763,000 to finance construction.  Through the generous support of local businesses, residents, and the City of Frankenmuth; as well as the magnanimous donation from previous Frankenmuth Motel owners Maria & Walter Palmer, the vision became a reality.  In 1999 The FWC presented the bandshell, Der Schau Platz, to the City of Frankenmuth and it was renamed the Palmer Schau Platz.  During the last 30 years, FWC Summer Concert attendance has grown to upwards of 50,000 people during the concert season.   In addition to the volunteer run FWC Summer Concert Series, the Palmer Shau Platz has hosted past Vesper performances, plays, Pre-School graduations, countless List Revues for elementary school children and their families, outdoor Church Services, and numerous family and community gatherings.  


The metal bandshell roof that was expected to have a 25 year life is over 30 years old and is in dire need of replacement.  It has shifted over the years and resulted in water damage to the sub roof and the entire structure. The Frankenmuth Women's Club has stepped up to the plate to, work with the City and take on the major task of raising funds to replace the roof.  The proceeds from The FCF 2026 Legacy Ball will be the Opening Act in the efforts to “Raise the Roof.”  Fundraising efforts will also include grant proposals, civic organization visits, and crowd-funding efforts. The anticipated timeline is within the next year or two, with plans for the roof repair no later than three years.  Thank you for your support and hope to see you at one of the FWC Summer Concerts!


2026 Event Sponsors

John J Teselsky


Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

Covenant HealthCare

Edward Jones- Office of Colin Maurer

Edward Jones- Offices of Michael Southgate and Doyle Webb

Frankenmuth Civic Events Council

Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen


Grapp Lerash CPAs and Advisors

Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie

Saginaw Valley State University

Schaefer & Bierlein Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram

Vassar True Value

Wm. Bronner & Son Contracting

Cass River Trading

Cederberg Funeral Home

Charlin's Book Nook

Downtown Air BNB- Chocolate Haus

Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

Frankenmuth Woolen Mill

Happy K9's



Reliacare Agency In-Home Care

Thomas & Christine Ryan

Tiffany's Food & Spirits

Yeo & Yeo