Northland Public Library in McCandless presents ‘Gatsby In the Garden’

Secure tickets now to the biggest party in town on April 20 at Northland Public Library’s “Gatsby In the Garden,” the theme of this year’s Garden Gala fundraiser.

Much thought goes into deciding on a theme for the annual spring fundraiser, held by Northland Public Library Foundation, said Alexis McKinley, foundation director. This year’s is modeled after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic 1925 Jazz Age novel, “The Great Gatsby.”

“As always, our terrific team of volunteers and staff will have only three hours to completely transform Northland from a fully functioning public library at 3 p.m. into an exclusive, after-hours event venue featuring food, wine, silent auction and more by 6:30 p.m.,” McKinley said. “This year’s Garden Gala will feature unique elements from the Roaring ’20s in both activities and decor.”

There are two ticket options.

To get on the VIP list, tickets are $125 and include early entry at 6:30, prime parking, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and a swag bag of gifts.

The party begins at 7:30 for general admission at a cost of $75. Guests can enjoy various food samples, beverages, live music, a silent auction and more throughout the library, according to McKinley, who is also director of development at the library.

All event proceeds will provide support for library programs and services, benefiting the 90,000-plus residents of Ross, McCandless, Marshall, Franklin Park and Bradford Woods who are directly served by Northland, the second-largest library in Allegheny County.

Barring truly inclement weather, the evening will feature classic cars from the era on display in the Learning Garden, courtesy of two local families, including Sue and Ron Wagner of the North Hills.

The Wagners are bringing their personal collection of a 1924 Ford Model T, 1928 Ford Model A and luxurious 1930 Pierce Arrow.

The McClures of Franklin Park are showcasing their 1926 Ford Model T station wagon. In that era, such vehicles were called depot hacks because they were commonly used to travel to the train depot and transport guests to a hotel, according to the family.

Gala guests can dance to live music on the upper level of the library by the Diamante Jazz Quartet featuring singer Lilly Abreu, Kevin Clark on piano, Robert Insko on bass and George Perilli on drums.

Keyboardist Tom Kosmala will perform jazz selections for attendees to enjoy on the library’s lower level.

“All Garden Gala guests are also welcome and encouraged to dress in their best period attire,” McKinley said. “Many of the evening’s volunteers are already enthusiastically planning their flapper outfits. Additional surprises and photo opportunities will complete the library’s Gatsby transformation.”

The Garden Gala will once again feature an array of local food and beverage vendors, including gala sommelier and wine expert David Fortunato. Daisy Jade, host and co-producer of Fan N’ATion and a reporter on “Pittsburgh Today Live,” is returning as the event’s honorary chair.

The 2023 Garden Gala raised $41,000 after expenses, “a total that we’re hoping to exceed this year,” McKinley said.

“We are thrilled to have the support of a record number of event sponsors this year, especially our presenting co-sponsors UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Passavant,” she said.

Tickets are available at www.northlandlibrary.org.