Start of the Summer Bonfire (Copy)
Start of the Summer Bonfire
Ellicottville Distillery Kicks Off Summer in the Best Way
Porcelain Train, a local favorite featuring husband and wife duo, Ralph and Tamala Fonda, will provide the entertainment at this year’s Summer Bonfire.
The weather is beautiful, school is winding down and summer has arrived. It’s the season of BBQs, swimming, biking, hiking, and outdoor activities galore. Ellicottville offers a great variety of things to do during the warm weather months and the Ellicottville Distillery, located at 5462 Robbins Road, is one of the places that is no slouch in the entertainment department. They’ve got a full calendar of events from now through August that is jam packed with awesome parties, bands and more… starting with their annual Start of the Summer Bonfire on May 27th.
Owners Bryan and Renee Scharf love to invite guests out to their little haven outside of town to share a delicious drink, made with their fine distilled on-site spirits. (That Maple Bourbon Creme slaps on its own, or pro-tip, as a float)
“Our Summer Bonfire event is FREE to attend. We just ask people to bring a chair or something to sit on of their own,” said Renee. “This isn’t a 21-and-up event; everyone of all ages is invited to attend. We have a few outside games that will be set up in the yard including cornhole and our huge jenga boards.”
As for live music, well known local favorite, Porcelain Train are on the bill. They are the acoustic husband and wife duo of Ralph and Tamala Fonda, playing a wide variety of music including covers of Folk, Classic Rock, Country and an Americana mix of their own originals that combine thoughtful lyrics with unique rhythm and harmony. A great band for the whole family to enjoy!
And you aren’t going to have to go hungry at the event. The Buckaroos Food Truck out of Wyoming, NY will be on-site. They specialize in poutine - traditionally fresh cut fries smothered in brown gravy with squeaky fresh cheese curds. From original to specialty selections like pulled pork, Philly cheesesteak and more, they also offer just the fresh cut fries and a few other tasty fried treats. (Fried Oreos for dessert sounds great to me!)
Renee wanted to remind everyone who is of drinking age but still a kid at heart that, “usually Saturdays we have our slushee machine up and running with an alcoholic beverage of some sort.” (This past weekend during their Blueberry Vodka release party, that slushee machine was killing it!)
In talking about further plans, Renee stated, “Saturday, June 17th is our next big event. It’s the EARS Dice Run. Ellicottville Distillery will be the final destination in the run. We’ll have basket raffles set up and of course some animals will be here looking for their furever home. While we are asking people to bring canned food (animal) for donation, it is a FREE event to attend.”
The following day, Sunday, June 18th will be the kick-off for the Distillery’s live music Sundays! Each Sunday will feature a different band performing live for guests, with their first set-up welcoming Meet the Bacons from 2:00–5:00pm. Joe and Robin Bacon make up the acoustic duo that play a mix of Reggae, Rock, Americana and more… always worth coming out to see!
“We have so many things in the works. The Start of the Summer Bonfire really is just the beginning of the season fun we’ve got in store for everyone,” said Renee. “We’re finishing up the details for our Classic Car Show and BBQ in June, our Pig Roast in July, and of course our huge Annual Distilled & Chilled Music Festival in August.” Renee explained, ‘It’s the 4th year and it’s happening rain or shine. Tickets are available now. They are $10 pre-sale, or you can pay at the gate the day of for $15. (Kids under 12 are FREE!) Music, food trucks, vendors… bring your lawn chairs and enjoy!” More details on the line-up of bands and vendors will be in ellicottvilleNOW closer to the event date of August 19th, so keep your eye out!
“But first, come on out to the Distillery on May 27th for our Summer Bonfire. The Distillery will open at noon, Porcelain Train will perform from 5:00-8:00pm and we’ll be lighting the fire towards the evening,” said Renee.
You can say goodbye to Spring and hello to Summer while listening to good music and enjoying a signature cocktail by the fire. Sounds like the perfect way to kick off the warm-weather season for sure! For additional details, follow Ellicottville Distillery on Facebook and Instagram or call 716-597-6121.
