NEWFOUNDLAND, PA — On Saturday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Newfoundland Area Public Library will host its third annual Taste of the Poconos event. The family-friendly day takes place at the Carlton Drake Memorial Park. 

I had the opportunity to sit down with Kristina Russo, the library’s director, to ask questions and get some more information regarding this event.

About the event

When I asked what exactly Taste of the Poconos is, Russo said she likes to think of it as a kind of community festival. “Well, that’s why we added the tagline ‘A Community Celebration,’” she said, “because we like to think of it as a celebration of everything local. There’s local food vendors, wineries, breweries and distilleries; artists and artisans, nonprofit organizations… [And] live music from local musician Joe O’Malley.” 

Even though it is a library fundraiser, Russo wanted to emphasize the importance of spotlighting local businesses and organizations in order to create a stronger sense of community.

The ‘tasting’ aspect

Since it is a public park, the cost of entry to the event is free. However, in order to be part of the wine-, beer- or spirit-tasting, the participant must be over age 21 and pay for a tasting ticket. These tickets can be bought online for $20 or at the door for $25. Your ticket will give you access to tastings from the nine alcohol vendors that will be attending the event, including the Jam Room Brewing Company, Space Time Mead & Cider Works, Pocono Brewing Company and many more.

For the kids

I then asked Russo if there will be activities for children. “Of course!” Russo exclaimed, “We really want to emphasize this year that it is a family-friendly event.” There’s food, ice cream and specialty sodas for the kids. As for activities, there will be an obstacle course, ribbon hunting, face painting, yard games and even a reptile show hosted by animal rescue service K’s Krazy Critters, based in Northeast PA.

What is the fundraising for?

“Managing the library in general is costly,” Russo said. “But most of the money raised from this event will go towards finally opening up our community center.”

The Newfoundland Public Library has used community donations from various events (such as Taste of the Poconos) along with grant funding in order to create a community center on the second floor of the library. The center will be a space for library programs, meetings, movie nights etc. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an Xbox, virtual reality sets, recording equipment and a maker space area for both children and adults. “We are still working on the little things,” Russo continued, “like lighting, storage, shelves—but I feel like we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel… The funds from this event will give that final push to have it open for this summer.”

Come visit Newfoundland and check out the festival for yourself—but make sure to pack your sunscreen and/or umbrellas, because the event is rain or shine.

Learn more at Newfoundland Area Public Library on Facebook or call 570/676-4518.