ELLICOTTVILLE — As the leaves turn on the trees and the days grow shorter, Ellicottville starts to shift into winter mode. Skis are tuned, summer tires are replaced and calendars begin to fill with a plethora of holiday traditions unique to the area.
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, a seasonal highlight, is one such hallmark of Ellicottville’s fun, generosity and compassion during the holiday season. Hosted by the Bob McCarthy Foundation, the event serves to raise funds for Santa’s Workshop and the Santa Sheriff program as well as year-round programs and family support.
The late McCarthy — a master craftsman, the voice of Ellicottville and a friend to all — was a passionate philanthropist, Foundation officials said. He is honored each year by the community togetherness embodied by the Irish Christmas tradition he created.
“As crazy as it sounded, auctioning off baked goods, hand-crafted items and neat finds from local businesses has provided year-round funding for the many supportive programs of the Bob McCarthy Foundation,” a Foundation statement said.
Carrying on the tradition, the event was renamed in McCarthy’s memory after his passing in 2016 so the Foundation can continue to make Christmas a little better for those less fortunate through Santa’s Workshop and the Santa Sheriff Program, officials said.
Now in its 19th year, Irish Christmas will again be held at EBC’s Brew Hall at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Officials said this venue offers plenty of room for the expected crowd, but encourage getting there early so as not to miss a single moment of fun. Admission is free.
The traditional live auction features 10 unique auction pieces accompanied by a home-baked dessert. Again this year, there is a budget-friendly basket raffle of more than 40 locally donated gift baskets offering great gifts for those lucky raffle winners. Added this year is a silent auction with some beautiful gifts to help with early shopping for that special someone.
“Among the treasures are, believe it or not, some Bob McCarthy woodworking originals and special creations from Ed Frederickson and other area artisans,” said Foundation officials. “You will be able to get a glimpse of auction items on our website and there will be a descriptive program for you at the event.”
All auction items are accompanied by a homemade dessert by the legion of local home bakers who pull out the family recipe to help this unique auction every year, officials said.
The auction begins at 7 p.m. following the traditional bagpipe introduction from Asa Moss. Auctioneer Brooks Lefeber, with commentary from his many helpers, will have you enthralled, officials said.
“We guarantee there will be a bidding frenzy this year on a very special and unique Bob creation that was donated by Bob’s daughter to the auction,” they added.
Before and after the auction, attendees can enjoy great live entertainment by Buffalo’s Crikwater along with a surprise guest — the up-tempo Irish band starts at 6 o’clock. This community-friendly event also has special $5 pricing on all beer and wine thanks to the generosity of EBC and the Winery of Ellicottville. Enjoy “The Taste of Ireland” food specials priced at $5 as restaurants Dina’s, EBC, Katy’s, Madigan’s, The Silver Fox and Villaggio show their support for this special cause.
“If you have never attended this great party, you are missing what most describe as the best party in Ellicottville,” officials said. “This is a great way to kick off the Christmas season, enjoying a cocktail with your friends.”
To bake an item for the auction, contact Katy Arena of Katy’s Café at (716) 801-2740 by Thursday, Nov. 21. To donate a basket for the raffle, contact Brooke Szpaicher at (716) 244-7752.
Visit www.bobmccarthyfoundation.com for more information. Donate online or via the mail at McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731.
