Food and wine draw crowd to Holley library

HOLLEY – The Holley community came together on Friday evening to enjoy great food, award-winning wines, farmers market offerings and music all while supporting the children’s summer reading program at the Community Free Library.

About 150 people attended the fourth annual “Raise a Glass for Reading” fundraiser at the library, which included wine from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina and Victorianbourg Wine Estate in Wilson, and mead (honey wine) from 810 Meadworks in Medina.

Attendees enjoy a spread of finger foods and sweets during the annual “Raise a Glass for Reading” event at the Community Free Library.

“If you look around, you see people talking and having a great time,” Library Director Sandra Shaw said. She observed the event is an example of what the library is supposed to be – “the hub of the community.”

Farmers market participants included Kirby’s Farm Market in Brockport and Penna’s Farm Market in Holley. Susi’s Hot Sauce by Susan Johnson and Woodturnings by HNB – Harry Beaver in Kendall also participated.

Live music was provided by Wendy and Sean Williams (and sons) of Sound Foundations in Batavia.

Proceeds from the event support the summer reading program, by helping to provide “… performers, incentives, gifts and materials,” Shaw said and noted the event also supports local farms and vineyards.

Linda Kirby of Kirby’s Farm Market was promoting Kirby’s CSA program and also had baskets of apples, samples of frozen cherries and lush containers of annual flowers from Kirby’s greenhouse.

Linda Kirby of Kirby’s Farm Market talks with attendees at Friday’s event at the library.

“This is so great,” Kirby said of the Raise a Glass event, “We’re opening May 1st and this allows me to get to see a lot of our good customers and get caught up.”

Holley Village Trustee Connie Nenni said this is her third year attending.

“We come with a group of friends, we just love it,” Nenni said, “and it’s for a great cause.”

Additionally, she likes the opportunity to support local wineries, ” … and you also get to see a lot of the community,” she said.

The theme for the 2015 summer reading program is “Every Hero Has A Story” and will explore what defines a hero – from superheroes to everyday heroes.

Those attending the annual Raise a Glass for Reading at the Holley Community Free Library sample wines from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina.