Nine years ago, Garden Center Manager Liz Morcone de Souza spearheaded a new event at Bartlett’s Farm: Ladies’ Night. Designed to be an opportunity for local women to gather, enjoy refreshments, and shop local for the holidays, it was also a fundraiser for a local charity. Her co-workers at the farm joined in enthusiastically and Ladies’ Night became a much anticipated annual event at Bartlett’s Farm.
“So many things about this even spoke to Liz. Here business sense saw an opportunity to bring people to the farm at a slower time. Secondly, a way to gather a bunch of women together to support each other (and shop) was an easy sell for her,” Leah Mojer of Bartlett’s Farm explained.
In early August of this year, Liz passed away suddenly from natural causes; all at the farm and many of her island friends and neighbors were heartbroken at the loss of her light and for her family. In her honor, this year’s Ladies Night on Thursday, November 2 from 5 to 8 pm, is dedicated to the founder of the event, and 2017 proceeds will be donated to the Elizabeth Ann Morcone de Souza Memorial Fund.
New this year is The Sunflower Hour. For one hour before general admission (5 to 6 pm), a special VIP preview will be held. With Liz in mind, Bartlett’s staff named it after her favorite flower.
Sunflower Hour guests will enjoy a less crowded experience, where there will be passed appetizers, wine and other libations, and a live band. Sunflower Hour participants will receive a gift bag and the farm will raffle off a chance to win Thanksgiving dinner for four plus a beautiful Farm Made wreath for all Sunflower Hour attendees! Tickets to Sunflower Hour are $50 and are available at bartlettsfarm.com.
Starting at 6 pm, general admission will open with a suggested donation of $20 at the door. Until 8 pm, many local vendors will be offering a wide range of handmade crafts, art, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and more that make wonderful holiday presents. There will be a silent auction, a Chinese auction, friendly faces, and lots of holiday cheer.