The Silent Auction team has once again prepared an incredible array of auction items for bidding. Special trips and parties, stunning artwork, treasured pieces for your home - there is

something for everyone on your holiday list, including yourself!


Below is a sneak peek at some of our fabulous dinner and cocktail parties that will be available for your selection at this year's Festival of Trees, Saturday, November 26. Parties are sold per seat and sell out fast! Don't miss your chance to purchase a seat to enjoy an unforgettable evening.

All proceeds from Festival support the Oliver Wolcott Library.


For more information contact Liz DeVos, 860-567-8030, edevos@owlibrary.org.

Festival of Trees 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
5:00 - 8:30 PM at The Oliver Wolcott Library
2016 Festival Dinner & Cocktail Parties

February Thaw Cocktail Party
Saturday February 4, 2017 6:00 pm  For 36  

Just what we need to spice up those cold, snowy nights. Warm up with friends and neighbors on Chestnut Hill Road! Embrace winter at an Alpine-themed cocktail party with the Bogdanovics and Delves-Broughtons to celebrate winter! If you spend the day on the slopes, or even if you don't this will be the best après-ski gathering all season long! Choice Alpine appetizers including fondue, smoked meats and fish will keep the energy flowing. Winter cocktails and good company will cheer and gladden the heart!

Hosted by Margret & Philip Delves-Broughton, May & Egils Bogdanovics

Delectables of the Maple Table Dinner Party
Thursday, March 23, 2017 6:00 pm    For 30

The menu will be the centerpiece of this evening! A Maple themed dinner from appetizers through dessert will demonstrate that maple is not just for breakfast. In the capable hands of Kay Carroll and Chef Samantha Tilley, this promises to be a knock out! Locally produced maple syrup from Brookside Farm will be the inspiration for a specialty cocktail, vinaigrettes, sauces, glazes and flavorings throughout this multi-course dinner. Welcoming cocktails will be followed by wine and beer selections with dinner.

Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar will provide the festive setting for this 
fabulous feast celebrating the arrival of Spring!

Hosted by Kay Carroll & Mark Harran (Brookside Farm), Chef Samantha Tilley (Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar)

Bourbon Street Bash - Party New Orleans Style @ South Farms
Saturday, February 11, 2017 7:30 pm   For 100

Lose your New England winter blues, grab your washboard, and make like a crawdaddy as you shuffle into the hottest event space around! At the White Barn at South Farms in Morris, we will help you escape to the Mississippi River Delta with the sweet tastes and funky sounds of the one and only New Orleans. Shake your money-maker Mardi Gras style to the big brass sounds of the Big Easy. Renowned local chef, Joel Viehland, who has spent time in some of the best restaurants in NoLa, will be serving up tasty New Orleans inspired treats (think Gumbo!). You're gonna want to be in this number. 

Hosted by Sarah & Nat Worden, Chris Meredith & Stuart Saunders, Courtney Hagen & Michael Wilson, Jennifer & Matt Terzian; Stephanie & Ben Paletsky

Rijsttafel Indonesian Dinner Party at Hidden Valley B&B
Sunday, April 30, 2017 6:00 pm   For 12

A traditional Indonesian "Rice dinner" as adapted by the Dutch -- a culinary highlight when traveling in Amsterdam. The meal is comprised of a medley of small flavorful dishes served with rice, a delicious mix of meats such as grilled Satays, and vegetable dishes with sauces ranging from very spicy, to creamy peanut sauce. Select the level that suits your palate as you explore a veritable feast of dishes from the many islands that make up Indonesia’s archipelagoShare this special meal in the charming setting of this intimate manor inn located in Washington Depot. 

Hosted by Regine Laverge-Schade, Wendy Parkin, & Bibby Veerman

A Good Life Distilled Dinner Party 
Saturday, May 13, 2017 6:00 pm   For 20

An event in the hands of Pam and Jack Baker cannot help but be exceptional! Gleaming vats of distilling spirits will literally pour forth their bounty along with an ample choice of wines.  Fortunate participants will be treated to a phenomenal catered dinner at a dining table crafted by Jack himself! Live music will put this evening over the top!  How wonderful to have such an incredibly rich experience available to us in our own backyard!  Limited space, so be sure to claim your seat now! 

Hosted by Pam & Jack Baker

Medieval Revelry! Dinner Party
Saturday, May 20, 2017 5:30 pm   For 50

Talk about getting away from it all!! Try transporting back centuries to another world! A night of merrymaking and feasting with strolling entertainment, archery and ax throwing competitions. Period libations will cheer your spirits as the pig roasts for dinner. A hardy fare of breads and fruits, cheeses and succulent pork or tender fowl. And you won't want to miss the special appearance of "Three Pints Shy", for music and merriment. Come in comfort or period style to wander the beautiful grounds of this large estate.

Hosted by Sharon Sahl & Jim Sutton

Art & Architecture Dinner
Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 6 pm  For 8

Dine in one of Litchfield's finest examples of an 18th century home, but be prepared, anything but traditional! Art treasures and fine collections abound in this fascinating but fun environment. You will be treated to an exceptional dinner with delightful hosts. A fabulous evening awaits you if you choose to attend! Limited seating. Dinner will be prepared by Sam Tilley of Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar.

Hosted by Jeanne Bertoia & Dmitri Ilyinsky

Caribbean Cruising Cocktail Party
Friday, June 2, 2017  5:30 pm   For 35

If you didn't get away to the islands over the winter - or even if you did...plan to make 39 Wolcott Street your port of call for a Caribbean cruise experience!  As you come aboard, join your fellow passengers on deck for some Rum therapy - a Caribbean Cocktail or other favored concoction. You'll dream your toes are in the sand as you listen to the carefree sounds of the Steel Band echoing in the air. Fresh seafood at the raw bar and other delights will complete this fanciful journey. Be sure to cruise on over for this special evening! "Don't Worry, Be Happy"....summer will be just around the corner. 

Hosted by Rosie & Richard Furniss, Rosamond & Richard Quay

Miles and Moonlight Dinner Party
Friday, June 9, 2017 6:30 pm   For 16  

Gather under the summer’s first full moon to dine al fresco, and recall the birth of cool. A live jazz ensemble will channel the spirit of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and others from this timeless era, while guests enjoy a magical evening basking in the moonlight, sitting by an outdoor fire. Plentiful champagne, and a farm fresh sumptuous dinner, fit for a cool king.  

Hosted by Emily Dalton & Matthew Karpas, Jennifer & Jeffrey Tillou

Encore! A Grand Night of Opera Dinner Party
Saturday, June 10, 2017 6:00 pm   For 50  

We are excited to once again offer an evening of Operatic selections presented in the intimate setting of a private home.  Whether you have been fortunate enough to attend live opera, or have simply listened to CDs (borrowed from the library) as you work, this is an opportunity you will not want to miss!  A musical presentation by an accomplished quartet of operatic singers featuring famous quartets, trios, duets and solos from your favorite operas including Faust, Elisir D'amore, Rigoletto, La Traviata, The Tales of Hoffmann, Pagliacci, La Favorite and more! Hearing, sight, and emotion will all be captivated by this evening of entertainment. Select wines and a delicious buffet dinner will enhance and extend the evening. Enjoy this opportunity to discuss the highlights of the evening of entertainment.

Hosted by Frank Fontana & Andrew Becker, Frank Vanoni, Cara & Ken Blazier, Janet Duchaine & Jonathan Fauver, Julith & Gary Sink

Thank You to Our Festival 2016 Sponsors!

  • Anonymous
  • *** Platinum Sponsors ***
  • Arethusa Farm Dairy
  • Elizabeth Garber Daniels
  • Faye & Jim Preston
  • Matthew Karpas & Emily Dalton
  • *** Gold Sponsors ***
  • Armand & Lauren Della Monica
  • Douglas & Suzanne Day
  • Carole Gibney
  • Litchfield Magazine
  • Robert G. Nathan
  • Stuart Building Products
  • Union Savings Bank
  • Bantam Market
  • *** Silver Sponsors ***
  • Anne & Philip Bergan
  • BantamWesson
  • Concrete Reinforcing Products
  • Connecticut Community Foundation
  • Deborah & Declan Murphy
  • E.J. Murphy Realty, LLC
  • Joseph Montebello & Ron Leal
  • Lawrence Jeffrey Estate Jewelers
  • Litchfield Bancorp
  • Lois & Marc Shafir
  • Mrs. Charles W. Marshall
  • O & G Industries, Inc.
  • Roderic M. Oneglia
  • William O'Shaughnessy & Gregorio Alvarez
  • Philip G. Samponaro
  • Teno West
  • Djan & Grace Yagtug
  • *** Bronze Sponsors ***
  • Albert Macchioni & Laura Cardello
  • Anonymous
  • The Clew/Bachrach Family
  • Bette & James Wu
  • Cara & Ken Blazier
  • Egils & May Bogdanovics
  • Patrick & Nancy Boland
  • Joyce G. Briggs
  • Copes Waste Solutions
  • Daniel & Barbra Kraut
  • Dick & Susan Saint James Ebersol
  • Dr. Matthew & Audrey Blondin
  • Hon. Anne C. Dranginis
  • Ebersol, McCormick & Steck, LLC
  • Lida & Michael Exstein
  • Mr. & Mrs. B. Patrick Fay
  • Frank & Coco Sellman
  • Martha Green & Alan Cohen
  • The Harlow Family
  • Jane & Paul Hinkel
  • Kate & Bill Honan
  • John & JoAnna Koster
  • John & Kate Fahey
  • John & Lynn Fulkerson
  • Kara Dowling & Andrew Roraback
  • Ken Merz & Denise Pratt
  • Kirstin Etela & James Tully
  • Lakeville Interiors
  • Jim Lamond
  • Litchfield Distillery
  • Maria & John Honigmann
  • Laurellee McKiernan
  • Philip & Jacqueline Miller
  • Sheila Nevins & Sidney Koch
  • Barbara A. Newcomb & Charles E. Coates III
  • Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
  • Wendy & Fred Parkin
  • Susan & Tony Pasquariello
  • Dirk & Marla Patterson
  • Jan & Bob Petricone
  • Richard & Rosalie Furniss
  • Robert & Martha Bernstein
  • Humphry & Paula Rolleston
  • Nancy Ross
  • Maggie & Adrian Selby
  • Susan & Jedd Levine
  • Theresa & Peter Joseph
  • Thomas & Elaine G. Witherspoon
  • Peter H. Tillou
  • Jim & Cynthia Tompkins & Family
  • Frank R. Vanoni, M.D.
  • Jeffery W. Wacker & Julia A. Metcalf
  • David & Margot Wick