By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On July 31, the Friends of Lorenzo (FOL) will present the first annual “Taste of Madison County” from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Lorenzo State Historic Site lawn.
The fundraiser will highlight the offerings of some of the finest restaurants, wineries, distilleries and breweries in the county.
The event will feature food and beverage samples from more than 20 vendors, a live musical performance and additional opportunities to support FOL.
“There will be raffles, a golf chipping contest and a wine pull,” said board member Sara Way. “All to raise much needed funds for Lorenzo and to add enjoyment to this exciting night.”
Local singer-songwriter Mike Powell will provide the musical entertainment. Powell is a folk/Americana musician who regularly tours and performs as a solo artist or as the front man of his band, The Black River.
The current vendor list includes the following Madison County businesses:
Critz Farms, Skytop Coffee, FoJo Beans, Empire Brewery, Madison County Distillery, Old Home Distillers, Owera Vineyards, Brewster Inn, Casatina’s, Lincklaen House, 7 Trees Dairy Goats, Copper Turret, Caz Sports Bowl, Colgate Inn, The Toast, Pewter Spoon, Caz Pizza, Penny’s Candy Company, Nelson Farms, Ye Olde Landmark Tavern, Sugar Shack Bakery and Really Good Pie.
Organized by Event Chair Lisa Smith and a committee of board members, Taste of Madison County is FOL’s largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds will support the maintenance of the historic Ellen Shipman formal garden and the continuing restoration and preservation of Lorenzo and the Rippleton Schoolhouse.
FOL’s mission is “to support and enrich the preservation and interpretation of the Lorenzo State Historic Site by inspiring community involvement and interest through programming, marketing and fundraising.”
To learn about FOL membership levels and to donate, visit friendsoflorenzo.org/join-the-friends.
Sponsors of the event include Bankers Healthcare Group Inc., Curtin Law Firm, Dannible and McKee, Kris-tech, Michael Nichiporuk State Farm, and Stokes Law Firm.
“We are so grateful for all of the sponsors and vendors who have generously contributed to the event,” said FOL President Nancy Weiskotten. “Taste of Madison County will provide community members with the opportunity to experience the great foods and beverages produced in our wonderful county.”
Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. All food and beverage samples are included in the entrance fee.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit friendsoflorenzo.org or call Nancy Weiskotten at 315-440-2727.
Upcoming FOL events
FOL invites families to the Lorenzo lawn for a free movie screening on August 23. Food truck offerings, popcorn and desserts will be available for purchase at 6 p.m. The movie will begin at dusk.
The Friends will welcome kids of all ages to the restored Rippleton Schoolhouse from 1 to 4 p.m. on September 15 for Community Day. The annual free event features nineteenth century games, live music, fall refreshments, wagon rides, country school activities and more.
FOL will close out the year with its annual Member-Guest Christmas Preview Party from 6 to 8 p.m. on December 5. Guests will have the opportunity to take in the mansion’s holiday decorations and enjoy live music and seasonal delights. The 2019 theme is “A Candy Lane Christmas.”
Stop by the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce at 59 Albany St. for contact information and details on all of the upcoming FOL events.
