MADRID — The Blue House restaurant in Madrid will host a community fundraiser party Saturday, July 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to raise funds to rebuild following a devastating fire in May and to thank the community for their support.

The TBH Fundraiser Bash will be held at the Madrid Community Park, rain or shine.

There will be fun for all ages with activities including music, bouncy houses, lawn games, face painting, tiny tattoos (18+), beers from In Law Brewing (21+), and, of course, food from TBH, Big Spoon Kitchen, Hoof & Horn Butcher, Half Dozen Bakery, Sabad's Restaurant, and other local eateries.

Those attending are advised to come at 11 a.m. with bathing suits on for a firetruck sprinkler with the Madrid Fire Department. Madrid Recreation watercrafts will be available throughout the day.

There will also be a raffle table with donations from Potsdam Food Co-op, Crary Mills Pottery, Potsdam Aquatics, Tat2Pauly, Apothecary Chocolates and other local businesses.

On May 12, 2023, 2.5 years after the Blue House owners, the Tallions, served their first plates at the restaurant, a structure fire engulfed the building. Multiple fire departments were on scene for more than four hours to battle the blaze.

The fire was limited to just the restaurant which sustained a good deal of smoke damage, along with some structural wreckage. No one was injured during the fire.

The Blue House first opened in Jan. 2021 after nearly two years of planning and demolition.

Despite COVID restrictions and six months of take out service, the Blue House garnered significant attention and developed a strong local following.

Dine-in service was first offered in July 2021, with an extensive menu that included brick oven pizzas and weekly specials.

Since its inception TBH’s mission has been to provide high quality meals to the North Country by committing to North Country farmers and ranchers and seasonal ingredients, staying dedicated to the craftsmanship of cooking, and loving the work and this place they call home.

"I guess you could say we’re a restaurant, but really, we’re just a group of misfit locals enamored with the idea of constantly showcasing the bounty of the North Country in ways that never, ever get boring to our guests,” owner Alicia Taillon said.

Donations will be accepted at the door and throughout the event. ATMs are available at the municipal building, cash or checks accepted. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, see Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/202994476011496.