The historic Keeler Tavern is no stranger to parties. The upcoming Fall Party on September 14th is one in a long line of social gatherings dating back to 1772 when Timothy Keeler and his wife, Esther, served drinks in the original Taproom to locals and weary travelers. And like Timothy and Esther before them, the Planning Committee for this year’s Fall Party is on trend by offering local food and libations, including non-alcoholic kombucha. They’ve invited Cross Culture Kombucha (“CCK”) of Danbury to pour alcohol-free drinks and Cylinder Vodka of Stamford to serve a signature cocktail.
“Kombucha is part of a cool new movement of offering non-alcoholic drinks at parties and bars,” said Christine Boris of the Planning Committee. “We’re proud to bring this trend to Ridgefield and to the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (“KTM&HC”). CCK will provide a delicious alternative to alcohol for those who prefer not to indulge and their kombucha will be mixed with Cylinder Vodka for those who do.”
The Fall Party is all about fun! From cocktails early in the evening at the Museum House to games, microbrews, and wine in the Carriage Barn-turned-Lounge, guests will connect with old friends and make new ones in a hip setting. Every corner of the 4-acre campus will be alive with activities, starting outdoors at 6:30 p.m. with the jazz-meets-pop band Bellatonic of NYC. There will be multiple full bars throughout the grounds, including a rooftop bar overlooking a white-tented Walled Garden and Rose Arbor, and games on the Croquet Lawn. Meandering is encouraged and bar seating will be available under the candlelit tent.
And food! A KTM&HC favorite, Sarah Bouissou Catering, will provide elegant, seasonally inspired passed hors d’oeuvres while food stations in the Garden House will include a fun take on sliders, chicken, salmon, and salads. Local dessert maker, The Cake Box, will serve delicious artisan cupcakes.
For those looking for something out of the ordinary, Raven of Chocolate Divination, a Long-Island-based psychic, will provide guests who dare with a “chocolate reading”, and acrobats will be on (and off!) the ground to entertain. The evening will include a silent and live auction and presentation of the Anna Keeler Award for Excellence in History and Civics Education to Scotts Ridge Middle School 8th grade teacher, Tom Broderick. The Ridgefield High School Jazz Band will round out the evening at an after-party inside the Carriage Barn Lounge after Bellatonic wraps up outside at 10 p.m.
Like the historic Keeler Tavern was for travelers and Ridgefield residents hundreds of years before, the Fall Party will be a place to relax, have fun, and enjoy a local vibe – all to benefit KTM&HC’s school programs*.
“This is not your usual gala,” said Christine Boris. “It will be cool and fun without being stuffy. Dress is smart casual, and the party takes place rain or shine, as we will have a beautifully candlelit tent over the Walled Garden and lots going on in every building and all Points of Interest on our 4-acres. This really is a not-to-be-missed event!”
For tickets to the Fall Party, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.keelertavernmuseum.org/events.