The Countdown Begins
The Countdown Begins
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas just two weeks away
ELLICOTTVILLE - Spring weather in November as Thanksgiving approaches - how crazy! But we are sure that one of the best holiday traditions unique to the area, Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, will quickly put us in the holiday season. Through the generosity of our friends at Ellicottville Brewing Company the 19th annual tradition will take place on December 6th at 6:00pm.
This fun event reflects the generosity and compassion of our tight-knit community as many turn out to support the cause. Hosted by The Bob McCarthy Foundation, this free event serves to raise funds for our Christmas initiatives, Santa’s Workshop, Shop with a Cop, and the Santa Sheriff Program. Proceeds also provide funding for our year-round family support services as we strive to level the playing field for those less fortunate in our community.
McCarthy, a master craftsman, the voice of Ellicottville, and a friend to all is honored each year by the community togetherness embodied by Irish Christmas. The auctioning of baked goods, hand-crafted items, and neat finds from local businesses allow our holiday season program provide holiday presents and meals to local families in need.
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas in its 19th year at the spacious beer hall at EBC is Ellicottville’s favorite party. The fun starts at 6:00pm with the Irish-themed and energetic live show from South Buffalo’s Crikwater. Their music conjures scenes of gritty smokey Irish pubs, whiskey, pints of stout, and good craic. You can enjoy the multi-part vocal harmonies, engaging fiddle tunes, and intricate musicianship while browsing the Irish basket raffle, silent auction, and live auction table. Grab great food as local restaurants are serving up some specialties for the “Taste of Ireland” where for a small donation you can enjoy some fabulous food like The Silver Fox’s Bangers & Mash, and Tom’s famous Bread Pudding from Dina’s. Rumor has it that EBC’s Brew Master Dan Minner is brewing McCarthy’s Irish Red. Enjoy a special brew to help the cause or a delicious wine from Sam and Beth Sheehy of the Winery of Ellicottville. Remember food and drink are only $5 each with all proceeds going to the cause.
To kick off the live auction, hosted by Brooks Lafeber at 7:30pm, the Winery of Ellicottville has donated champagne for a special champagne toast to Bob. Asa will be playing his bagpipe, and the Irish Dancers will perform. The auction treasures include some of Bob McCarthy’s woodworking originals with a special new find this year. Other special creations from Ed Frederickson & others as well as a great Florida vacation donated by Sally & Mike Nickolson. Again this year, a custom stainless steel firepit donated by Barrett Price of Bear Metal works is the highlight of the auction. All auction items are accompanied by a home-made pie or baked item keeping with tradition: Pat Kurl’s Skillet Apple Pie, Cupcaked’s Cannoli Cake and Triple Berry Pie, along with Tom Kneeland’s specialties to get your mouth watering. We are excited as the Irish basket raffle gets bigger and better this year which means that most can participate with many lucky winners, taking home great gifts for a minimal donation. Silent and Live Auction items and the Irish basket raffle choices are being revealed weekly on our website at www.bobmccarthyfoundation.com/events.
The Foundation hopes that Ellicottville’s unshakably generous community will open its heart and donate at www.bobmccarthyfoundation.com/donate or via the mail at McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731. A little goes a long way!
Bob always found a way to make the holidays magical and this year is no exception. Make sure you mark your calendar as Friday December 6th at 6:00pm will be one you will not want to miss.