We just got a big taste of winter before Thanksgiving which reminds us that one of the best holiday traditions unique to the area. Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, is just around the corner. Through the generosity of our friends at Ellicottville Brewing Company the 16th annual tradition will take place on December 9th at 6pm.
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 event serves to raise funds for our main initiatives, which are Santa’s Workshop 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 both Santa’s Workshop and the Sheriff’s Santa Program to provide holiday presents and meals to local families in need.
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas is back LIVE in the great new beer hall at EBC. The fun starts at 6:00 PM with the fun and energetic live show from South Buffalo, Peter Zalocha and Charlie Coughlin of 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 new Irish Basket Raffle. 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, special Irish Coffees and Kneeland’s famous Bread Pudding. Rumor has it that Brew master Dan Minner is brewing some McCarthy’s Irish Red and a special Stout to help the cause.
- he traditional live auction starts at 7:30 PM. hosted by Brooks Lefeber.The auction treasures include some of Bob McCarthy woodworking originals and special creations from Ed Frederickson, Mike Timkey & others. All auction items are accompanied by a home-made pie or baked item keeping with tradition. We are excited as the new Irish basket raffle means that all can participate with many lucky winners, taking home great gifts for a minimal donation. Live Auction items and the Irish basket raffle choices will be 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 101, 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 9th at 6:00 PM will be one you won’t want to miss. Follow other announcements in this publication as we countdown to the December 9th event.