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Business & Tech

Farmington Gardens Blooms

Full house enjoys Rotary Club of Farmington's Wine In the Gardens and peek at new event venue.

The opening event at Farmington Gardens, the Rotary Club of Farmington's 10th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser, “Wine in the Gardens,” was sold out as soon as the Thursday night event began.

Most of the 500 tickets had been purchased in advance, yet many people showed up without tickets and were turned away. Despite their disappointment, they did at least get a glimpse of the fabulous transformation of the former Lexington Gardens Garden Center into “A Special Place for Special Occasions.”

Owner and Project Manager Phil Chabot welcomed guests and showed off the facility.

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“Despite the fact we were still doing finish work this morning. I’m very happy we made it. I feel my vision has been realized and it definitely turned out the way I wanted it to,” he said.

Hundreds of Rotarians and friends enjoyed the wine tasting provided by Wine Cellars 4 and food donated by local restaurants, including Apricots; Caffeine’s Café; Confetti; Emily’s Catering Group; Farmington Gardens; Flaggstead Smokehouse; J. Timothy’s; Matthew’s; Naples Restaurant & Pizza; Pomodoro Pizza; and Wood ‘n’ Tap and local grocers Highland Park Market; Stop & Shop in Unionville; and Gnazzo’s and Big Y in Plainville.

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Everyone there was very positive about Farmington’s newest event facility, which features a stunning glass house overlooking landscaped gardens, in addition to the main dining room in the restored barn and silo.

Nicholas Chabot, Phil’s brother and their sister, Katrina, a chef, are also involved in the business. “It’s a big hit, everyone is enjoying themselves,” added Nicholas Chabot. The event was organized by Patty Strazzulla and Bette Case.

Marketing Manager Lindsay Ryan remarked “They did an amazing job in a short period of time. This is great. I don’t think there’s anything else like it in the area.”

Rotary President Stephen Wasley was very thankful for the great turnout. “Last year we sold 300 tickets, compared to 500 this year. This is the Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser of the year. I’m just happy everyone came out to support this event. We have more participation than I thought was possible.”

Proceeds of the event benefit a local child through Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Rotary’s High School scholarship program.

Lou Pelletier said “raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation is the real goal of the event and we are very pleased to see a full house tonight."

Silent and live auctions were also held. Damon Scott of 96.5 TIC FM served as auctioneer - enthusiastically. When only one bid was made on a jeweled quilt, he jumped off the stage and cajoled the bidder to bid higher. “We take credit cards,” he implored.

Farmington Gardens is currently booking for June events. Call 860-255-8659 or email phil@farmingtongardensct.com.

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