This week, staff writer Clare Collins talks with Wayne Smith about the fifth annual Wine in the Woods festival to support the Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Company.
Residence:Elmhurst Twp.
Occupation: Volunteer firefighter
Title: Spokesman for Station 15 Fire & Rescue
Q: Where did the idea for Wine in the Woods come from?
A: Through a family relationship to a member of the department who floated the idea of us using our carnival grounds as an ideal setting for a wine fest. As our department continued to grow, we were looking for additional fundraising opportunities to support our training, equipment and building needs.
Q: Tell us about the different wineries that will be on hand, as well as any other refreshments.
A: The different wineries include Capra Collina Winery, Deep Roots Hard Cider, Hidden Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kulpmont Winery, Lucchi Family Wine Cellars, Malacari Winery, Mountain Lake Winery and Nimble Hill Winery. The department will offer typical cookout food, such as hot dogs and hamburgers but also porketta sandwiches and other light fare as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
Q: What else can guests enjoy?
A: Admission includes a complimentary wine tasting glass with the fire department logo. There will be live musical entertainment by the group Dashboard Mary.
Q: How will the proceeds be used?
A: The proceeds will be used to purchase specialized equipment to outfit our new rescue truck, which will arrive in the spring of 2020.
Q: What is unique about this fundraiser?
A: The setting and atmosphere. Our unique event takes place later in the afternoon to allow for a campfire setting in the evening grove-like area of pavilions, arts and crafts vendor tents, and individual rustic booths for each winery to display its wares.
If you go
What: Wine in the Woods
When: Saturday, Aug. 3, 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: Just off Route 435 at G.C. Smith Street and Municipal Drive, Elmhurst Twp.
Details: No one under 21 is permitted to attend, and no BYOB is allowed. Admission costs $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event, and designated driver admission costs $5. For more information and ticket availability, visit the Facebook event page.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
