By EVL Elf
The November weather does not yet have us thinking about Christmas and one of the best holiday traditions unique to the area. Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, will quickly put us in the holiday season mood. Through the generosity of our friends at Ellicottville Brewing Company the 20th annual tradition will take place on December 5th at 6pm.
This fun event reflects the generosity and compassion of our tight knit community as many winter visitors and locals 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 Sheriffs’ Santa 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 20th year at the spacious beer hall at EBC is Ellicottville’s favorite party for locals and visitors. The fun starts at 6pm 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 some 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 some McCarthy’s Irish Red as well as a special brew to help the cause or a great wine from Sam Sheehy of Ellicottville Winery. Remember food and drink are only $5 each with all proceeds going to the cause.
A special toast to Bob accompanied by Asa’s Bagpipe anthem ECS dancers will kick off the traditional live auction which starts at 7:30pm with funny man Brooks Lefeber. The auction treasures include some of Bob McCarthy woodworking originals with a special new find this year. Other special creations from Ed Frederickson, Sam Sheehy & Pat Burke demonstrate their creative spirit. As we are a ski town expect some great ski packages from Holiday Valley & Holimont. Again, this year a customized stainless steel EVL firepit donated by Barrett Price of Bear Metal works & a Snowboard from MS&G will be auctioned. All live auction items are accompanied by a home-made pie or baked item keeping with tradition. Pat Kurl’s Skillet Apple Piec, Cupcaked Cannoli Cake along with Tom Kneelands specialties get your mouth watering. The Silent auction is expanded this year so you can grab some great bargains for under the tree.
We are excited as the Irish basket raffle gets bigger and better this year which means all can help with many lucky winners, taking home great gifts for a minimal donation.
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 5th at 6pm will be one you won’t want to miss.