SMETHPORT — The second annual “Holiday Spirits — A Night of Tastings” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 at Hamlin Memorial Library, 123 Mechanic St., Smethport.
The fundraising event will feature a wide selection of beer, wine, ciders and appetizers for sampling. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and may be purchased at the library during regular business hours.
A selection of holiday ales and lagers, along with flavored malt beverages, will be sponsored by Scott Dickerson of JB Distributors in Smethport. Denny Baker of Card Creek Wines in Roulette will serve a wide variety of wines, including merlot, Concord, an Allegheny blend and several fruit varieties. Many choices of both hot and cold appetizers will be catered by Ed Vicic, owner of the Port Freeze. Holiday music will be featured.
During the Holiday Spirit event, patrons may purchase tickets for the library’s holiday basket giveaway. Tickets are $1 each and all proceeds benefit the libraries operating fund. Tickets for the basket giveaway will be sold at the library and from members of the Board of Directors during December. Basket winners will be picked at 11 a.m. Dec. 17.
The board of directors and staff of Hamlin Memorial Library raise nearly $35,000 annually from the local community through giveaways, events and their annual dinner auction. The library’s annual operating budget is more than $70,000. Government funding and grants make up approximately half of the budget, leaving a deficit of funds to maintain services and hours of operation. Traditionally, these funds are provided by the generous giving of local businesses and individual donors. Those interested in donating can purchase a holiday donor card, sign up for a monthly debit or make a one-time donation to the library.
