2026 MMS Awards Banquet and Silent Auction
All Minnesota Mycological Society members are warmly invited to join us for the 2026 Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction—a relaxed and celebratory afternoon spent honoring our community and the fungi that connect us all. Join fellow members at the beautiful Midland Hills Country Club for a midday gathering filled with good food, great company, and moments of recognition and inspiration.
🎟 Tickets — Register Now
Itinerary
11:00 am | Welcome!
Social hour, cash bar, silent auction bidding, raffle tickets for sale (cash or personal check only),
preview photo contest entries
12:00 noon | Indulge!
Mushroom-forward luncheon, by executive chef Dave Nelson
[ Silent auction bidding closes ]
1:00 pm | Celebrate!
Raffle drawing (must be present to win)
Opening remarks, MMS President Peter Martignacco
2026 photo contest awards
2026 Golden Chanterelle award
Menu
Starter | Smoked Wood Ear Salad (peppery arugula tossed with roasted beets, toasted pine nuts, and a bright balsamic-tomato vinaigrette)
Main | Braised Hen‑of‑the‑Woods Maitake (served alongside roasted root vegetables and finished with a savory mushroom consommé and citrus-herb gremolata)
Dessert | Candy Cap Semifreddo (a velvety, chilled ice cream featuring the natural maple notes of candy cap mushrooms, garnished with apricot, toasted pistachios, and porcini shortbread)
If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know so the chef can prepare to accommodate any needs. Note: The image on the right features a sampling of previous years’ dishes.
Silent auction and raffle
Silent auction
- All silent auction items will be hosted on Givebutter this year. This online format allows both banquet attendees and those unable to join in person to bid on our most unique and sought‑after items. Select items will be available for preview soon (watch for an email).
- Forays and hands‑on experiences open for bidding on March 1.
- All remaining items—including goods, artwork, baskets—open for bidding on March 6.
- Bidding for all items closes at 1:00 PM on March 7.
- To place bids, you’ll register as a bidder on Givebutter. If you already bought tickets through Givebutter, simply sign in with the same email when prompted.
- All winning bids must be paid by credit card through Givebutter.
Raffle tickets
- Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event: $2 apiece or 6 for $10. Tickets must be purchased with cash or personal check. Please note there is no ATM onsite.
- Raffle prizes in previous years have included things like a gourmet food basket, grill basket, or case of Headwater premium mushroom beverage.
- You must be present at the time of the raffle drawing to win.
Tickets and registration
All attendees must be registered. Note that only MMS members can purchase tickets and register attendees, but members can and are encouraged to invite/register guests, including non-members.
- $45 per person
- Registration closes Saturday, February 28 at 12:00 midnight, or when tickets are sold out.
Registration will be capped at 144 people. If registration fills up before you are able to secure tickets, you can ask to join the waitlist. We will notify you if spots become available.
🎟 Tickets — Register Now
Cancellation and refunds
If you purchase tickets and then find yourself unable to attend, we will issue refunds up to 1 week before the event. After February 27, all sales will be final. Contact us if you would like to request a cancellation and refund.
Parking and entrance
Ample, free parking is available at the event venue.
While there will be signage inside directing you to our banquet room, it will be easiest if you enter the building at the far right door as you are looking at the front of the country club from the parking lot.
