This Carrollton garden party is no secret
Published 6:48 pm Saturday, September 5, 2015
![The Carrollton Public Library has a popular butterfly garden where patrons can enjoy a garden-party fundraiser on Saturday.](https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2015/09/IMG_0396.jpg)
The Carrollton Public Library has a popular butterfly garden where patrons can enjoy a garden-party fundraiser on Saturday.
Magical things are happening in the butterfly garden at the Carrollton Public Library.
On Saturday, the library will host its fourth annual garden party, where guests can enjoy music, dancing, local craft vendors, a silent auction, food and even gardening tips.
“We want people to come out and support the library,” said Shannon Conroy, Carrollton branch manager. “It’s a lot of fun, you get to meet new people.”
The Western Tidewater Master Gardeners will give guests tours of the different plants and flowers within the garden, and will host a booth. There, guests can ask gardening questions and even bring pieces of dying plants to be assessed, Shannon said.
Local band Swell Luck will perform throughout the evening. Their music includes a lot of acoustic songs and features both covers and originals, Conroy said.
While visitors are enjoying the music and sights in the garden, they will have opportunities to meet new friends and learn about many of the businesses in the area.
The silent auction will include a collection of restaurant certificates, one-night hotel stays, gift baskets and more. All items are donated by local businesses in Isle of Wight, Suffolk and nearby communities.
Wine and beer will also be available throughout the evening. Much of the alcohol is being provided by local businesses, including Smithfield Winery, whose retail store has yet to open. At the event guests will get the chance to preview their wine prior to their opening. Their company will feature primarily sparkling wines, Conroy said.
Organizers hope the party raises awareness of all the library offers, Conroy said. Among other unexpected ways it benefits the community, she explained, is by serving as a place where they can get a stable Wi-Fi signal in a community where Internet service can be spotty.
“For many in our community, it’s a necessity,” Conroy said.
The library also offers training on resume writing and help with job searches.
Friends of the Carrollton Public Library will sponsor the event. The organization helps provide funding for library events such as story time, the pumpkin-painting party and Friday evening fitness classes.
Last year, attendance at the garden party was around 100 people. This year, organizers hope to attract 200 participants.
The party takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, and $25 per couple. Guests must be 21 or older.