UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: New Canaan Library has rescheduled Thursday’s planned speakeasy due to the snow and sleet that’s expected to hit the town and region overnight. The new date is Wednesday, March 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Original Article
New Canaan businesses are gearing up for the kickoff event for this year’s One Book New Canaan initiative: the speakeasy at New Canaan Library, set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday (register here).
Conceived in the spirit of the library’s chosen book for this year—Bill Bryson’s nonfiction “One Summer: America 1927,” which spotlights Prohibition, as well as Charles Lindbergh’s virgin flight across the Atlantic, Babe Ruth’s 60-home run season and other cultural milestones—the speakeasy features all local businesses, library officials say.
That’s an important part of this event and the larger initiative, since One Book New Canaan “is a community read,” said Community Engagement Library Jocelyn Glatthorn.
“I wanted to showcase our New Canaan businesses and all the participants in this event are local businesses and institutions,” she said.
Co-sponsored by the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, the speakeasy will feature beer from New Canaan-owned fine craft brewer Charter Oak, New Canaan Wine Merchants and cocktails from Walter Stewart’s, Carpe Diem and South End, among others.
New Canaan Olive Oil owner Heidi Burrows said she’d be sampling and selling her popular extra virgin olive oils and specialty vinegars, donating 15 percent of sales to the library.
“We wanted to participate in this event because it is very community-focused,” Burrows said. “The library does a great job of integrating community and local business, and we are always happy to be involved.”
Other partners for the event include ONE Hope Wine, Gates, Fjord Fish Market, Forever Sweet Bakery, Grass Rxoots and the fabulous Little’s Specialty Foods.
Chamber Executive Director Tucker Murphy applauded the library “for giving local merchants the opportunity to showcase their wares at this important community event.”
“The power of partnerships at work in New Canaan once again,” Murphy said.
ONE Hope Wine is a cause-centric enterprise offering wine produced in partnership with Rob Mondavi, Jr. Wines. The organization donates 50 percent of its proceeds to partner causes; specifically for this event to Breast Cancer research, Autism initiatives and PAWS.
Grass Rxoots, a paleo, raw and vegan foods provider operating out of Halo Studios on Grove Street, will feature its offerings and looks forward to “presenting ourselves to the community,” CEO Rhoby Schempp said.
“For us this is about letting people get to know our brand and some of our products, and being part of the community,” she said.
“We are ecstatic to be invited to this event,” Schempp added. “It’s really an opportunity to meet our community and participate in something fun.”
Register here for the speakeasy.