Pony Up and Party at Littleberry Farm

Proceeds will support Friends of the Library’s capital campaign to enlarge and improve the Fernandina Beach Library.

“Pony Up and Party,” is an action-packed fundraiser for the Fernandina Beach Library will take place October 25 at the enchanting 38-acre Littleberry Farm just west of Amelia Island.

The party will showcase some of the 20 horses in residence including World Finalists “Junior,” an American Paint prizewinner in western horsemanship, and “Tinker,” a medalist in the ‘hunter under saddle’ category. The Andalusian “Luna” and her rider will show off their skills in dressage and “Nina” will do a few tricks for the crowd, says Terry Broussard, Littleberry Farm owner. Five-year-old up-and-coming horsewoman, Paisley Broussard will take the reins on Junior and may show off her pony, “Cornflake”, Broussard says.

And to top it off, acclaimed “Joey the Border Collie”, an award-winning trick dog, will mount and ride the impressive quarter horse named “Shy.” Joey’s trainer is 15-year old, Nichole Curry, a student at Fernandina Beach High School. Nicole, some of her classmates in the Junior Rotary Club and other riders at the Farm will introduce the horses and allow guests to entice them with carrots for treats.

“This will be a really, really fun and unusual evening for everyone and we’re delighted that Littleberry Farm is hosting it with us,” said Bill Flynn, President of Friends of the Library (FOL). “The farm is a wonderful place for a good time and a great reminder of the agricultural heritage of Nassau County. Many folks will be surprised to see such a fine rural setting just minutes from Amelia Island.”

The gates will open at 4:45 pm and festivities start at 5:00 pm. A home-made barbeque buffet will be served in the screened breezeway of the Farm’s large entertainment facility. There will be indoor and covered seating for dining, and hay bales for relaxing around the show ring. County, western and other popular music will be provided by the versatile O. C. Band. There will also be dancing, games, cash bar, S’mores and desserts by the bonfire, and a silent auction with fine art, dining and entertainment donated by local artists and businesses.

Weekends in New York and Chicago and trips to Washington, DC, Napa Valley and more will also be up for auction. Get advanced information on trips at fernandinaFOL.org.

Proceeds will support Friends of the Library’s capital campaign to enlarge and improve the Fernandina Beach Library. Construction of a $1.6 M new addition to the Library on N 4th Street is underway with $600,000 each provided by the City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County, and $400,000 raised by FOL from private supporters of library improvements. Renovation of the existing building will begin when the new wing is completed later this year. To date, private donors to FOL have contributed over $740 thousand in gifts and pledges. Roughly $460 thousand is still needed to purchase furniture, equipment and other necessities to meet the $2.4 million goal, Flynn said.

Tickets for this action-packed evening are $75 each. To assure you don’t miss out, purchase them early on-line at fernandinaFOL.org or at the Fernandina Beach Library, 25 N. 4th St. or call (904) 321-6529.

For further information, contact Wilma Allen, 904-491-0034 or wilmaa65@gmail.com