Lost Acres Vineyard Harvest Party Benefits Fresh Access Program

Lost Acres Vineyard is working with Holcomb Farm to host a fun farm day as fall sets in with a focus on benefiting Holcomb Farm's Fresh Access program, which provides organic, fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.

The event, which runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (and kicks off with a 10 a.m. grape harvest, crush and press) features a harvest dinner, live music from locally recognized group The Glue Factory, games, contests, pumpkin painting, a silent auction, cartooning from local artist Matt Ryan and much more.

"It's a Granby agricultural community event," said Holcomb Farm supporter Jill Ford. "It's a day to celebrate the harvest in Granby from community farms."

The event helps support Holcomb Farm's Fresh Access program, which has been in operation for more than a decade.

"It's a big part of Holcomb Farm's community supported agriculture program," Ford said, noting that the Fresh Access program is part of the farm's initiative to get good, high nutrition food to into low income areas, to seniors and into other areas underserved by local farms.

That program has provided more than 15,000 lbs. of produce to needy segments of the area's population inlcuding senior citisens, inner city residents and many others with farm fresh food.

"it is a good story," said event supproter Linda Spevacek. "[It's] using all local farm harvest produce and portion of proceeds benefit Holcomb Farm's feed-the-hungry program. Great feelings all around!"

Additionally, the vineyard is donating part of its wine sales to the cause throughout the day.

The silent auction at the vineyard is another fundraising component that offers something for everyone.

"[Lost Acres Vineyard] is very generous to allow us to use their venue," said Holcomb Farm, Inc. president Bob Bystrowski.

Bystrowski has provided a full list of items up for auction at the vineyard today. Item perusal begins at 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The items are as follows (structured by item number, description, responsible party, value and minimum bid).

2. Knitting Session with Aimee Gilbert Aimee Gilbert, $160 $100
4. Bill Simpson Painting Lynette Simpson, $750 $450
5. Restaurant and Wine Basket - The Mill at 2T, Mike Mooney, $400 $240
6. Golf Foursome at Hop Meadow Country Club, Mike Mooney, $250 $150
7. Yoga Instruction with Crystal Fiorentino, Bob Bystrowski, $120 $70
8. Icelandic Horse Riding Experience, two people for a Trail Ride afternoon, Bob Bystrowski, $400 $200
9. Holcomb Farm Loft Concert Series Package (Forward Motion), Holcomb Farm, $60 $40
10. Holcomb Farm Loft Concert Series Package (Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys), Holcomb Farm, $60 $40
11. Winter CSA Share, Holcomb Farm, $325 $200
12. Lost Acres Vineyard (Wine and Tasting), Michelle Niedemayer, $25 $15
13. Colorado Cabin, Jim Lofink, $800 $480
14. Jana Volpe Painting, Mike Mooney, $400 $240
15. Red Tail Golf Club Foursome, Mike Mooney, $400 $240
16. Applewood bowl, handmade by Scott Duncan from a tree downed by Storm Alfred, by Jim Lofink, $100 $50
17. Personal Financial Consult and $50 Harvest Bakery Gift Card, Frank Schoenrock, $150 $90
18. Farmington River Kayak Trip, Jack Lareau,$140 $85
19. Kristen Cormier Original Art Print, Mike Mooney, $100 $60
21. NBC 30 "Behind the Scenes" Package, Mike Mooney $100 $60
22. Restaurant and Wine Basket - Millwrights, Mike Mooney $200 $120
23. Laura Eden Art Print Mike Mooney $100 $60
24. Nail and Skin Care at the Mill Lynette Simpson $100 $60
25. Hair Gallery at the Mill Lynette Simpson $175 $80

Lost Acres Vineyard is located at 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby. The majority of activities take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check out the vineyard's website for ticket, location and activity information. Tickets for the dinner are limited, so check ahead if you plan on enjoying the locally sourced meal today.