Enjoy music, auction, food at holiday gathering

This holiday season, draw inspiration from the past and celebrate life at Friends of Esther's annual holiday gathering from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Oscar Swan estate in historic Geneva. This nostalgic celebration features live music, a fiber arts silent auction and a gourmet meal. Tickets, available until Dec. 11, are $35 a person or $60 a couple.

Enjoy the appetizer tasting; new this yea is a selection of Chef Patrick Barclay's finest creations. It is followed by a chef's menu entree in your choice of meat or vegetarian, as well as dessert. All the ingredients come from local farms and feature only the freshest, natural ingredients.

Join in a silent auction featuring handcrafted, artisan items perfect for gift giving. All proceeds go toward community awareness projects to promote the cherishing of the traditions and heritage of the past in light of today's relevance. Local farm stewardship, ingenuity and creativity is just as alive today as it was then, as our local farms work to produce fibers that come to life in the hands of fiber enthusiasts.

Friends of Esther, centered at Esther's Place and based in Big Rock, is a nonprofit organization working to raise awareness of traditional arts and skills and bridge the rural and urban communities. The board of directors and members represent a varied group of artists, teachers, farmers, fiber enthusiasts, groups and more.

"The vision we have for this event, a gathering, a fun, relaxing chance to get back to things that really mean the most to us. The foods, along with live music and a feeling of joy and celebration, make this event something out of the ordinary," said Peg Feltes-Dordal, chairwoman of Friends of Esther.

More information or tickets can be obtained by e-mailing info@esthersplacefibers.com or calling (630) 556-9665. Visit their blog at friendsofesther.wordpress.com.