By Jessica Schultz
Everyone needs a nice evening out. It’s been a long year and summer is sadly ending but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. You can come out to the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, located at 30 Lake Shore Drive E in Dunkirk, NY on Thursday, September 15th from 5-7pm and visit the Hops & Pops event. What is Hops & Pops? The Villager spoke to David Kleparek, one of the event coordinators about exactly what Hops & Pops entailed.
The Villager (V): Hops & Pops, where did the idea for the event come from?
David (D): “Hops n Pops is a rebranding by the joint committees of the Dunkirk and Fredonia Chambers of Commerce. Formerly known as Grape Expectations, the event generally rotated between both communities and featured delicious food, wine tastings, live music and fun raffles.”
V: How did you pick the Clarion Hotel for the venue?
D: “The Clarion is a fine location with ample space, convenience and parking facilities. In Fredonia, The White Inn was the location with the same amenities, but after its closing, Dunkirk hosted for several years.”
V: What is the cost of the event and where can tickets be purchased?
D: “Cost of the event is $15 per person or two tickets for $25. This includes admittance to the event, wine/brews samplings, food, music, and raffles throughout the evening. We will give away $100, five times throughout the night. Tickets may be purchased on line at the chautauquachamber.org website or by contacting Dave Kleparek at JCC North (Dunkirk Chamber Coordinator).”
V: What wineries will be represented at the event and what will they have to offer?
D: “Wineries participating in the event include Merritt Winery, Liberty Vineyards, Willow Creek Winery, 21 Brix, Johnson Estate Winery and Woodbury Winery. Breweries will include Steelbound and EBC. They will be offering samples of their wines and beers. And guests will be able to purchase their favorites by the bottle or the case.”
V: Is there an official food menu?
D: “The official menu will include (decided last Friday at a meeting at the Clarion) pizza, cheese, pepperoni, crackers, fruit plates, healthy choice snacks, and a bar inside the venue room for purchase of several of the wine sampling items as well as beer. Both sold at nominal cost to provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy the beverages of their choice.”
V: There will be raffles and prize drawings; what can your guests take home?
D: “Besides the five $100 prize drawings throughout the evening, there will be additional raffles and giveaways at the event.”
V: What will the proceeds from the event be supporting?
D: “After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, our newly rebranded Hops N Pops will help fund local scholarships for both Fredonia and Dunkirk schools. Each school gives a cash scholarship to a deserving senior selected by the Business Department.”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
D: “Yes. I’d like to add that we will have music throughout the evening with Daniel Siracuse providing light music. Sponsors for the event include Farrelll Roofing, LaBella Associates, Brooks Hospital, Jamestown Community College North Campus, and National Grid. Volunteers from both Chambers will be on hand for registering guests, greeting, assisting wineries and breweries, and introducing all Chamber members to other Chamber members for additional support and networking opportunities.”
Thank you, David, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing all the great info on the Hops & Pops event. Tickets and more information may be found by visiting chautauquachamber.org.