By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

The Friends of Smyth Public Library were nearly short on shortcake at this year's strawberry social.

Danielle Gagnon shares strawberry shortcake with Zachariah Gagnon at Candia's strawberry social. (Nathan Duke Photo)

The seven-member group served strawberry shortcake and beverages to residents at Henry W. Moore School on Sunday, June 26. The social celebrated its fifth consecutive year. More than 163 shortcakes were served.

However, the social was nearly canceled after local farms reported their strawberries were not yet ripe.

"We started planning a few months in advance because we had to find a supply of berries," said Judell Schlacter, chairman of the Friends of Smyth Public Library. "No local farms had berries because (the weather) was too wet and too cold. Other towns cancelled their strawberry socials."

Schlacter said the group found a supplier - Wilson's Farm in Litchfield - on Thursday, June 23, giving them only a three-day notice that the social could still take place.

Therefore, the group was not able to pick the berries themselves this year.

However, Schlacter said the event would have been held, even if the Friends had to resort to purchasing grocery store strawberries.

Proceeds from the social are given to a general fund for the library, said library director Jon Godfrey. In past years, the Friends have raised money for the library's book budget, a display case in the art gallery and the purchase of one of the granite benches in the library circle.

However, Godfrey said the social is more of a community-oriented event than a typical fundraiser.

"Though it is billed as a fundraiser, it just about breaks even," he said. "(The social) is more for fun community purposes, than for fundraising. There are significant costs involved, so it just about pays for itself."

Costs for this year's social included 15 dozen strawberries, coffee and lemonade, and Nashua accoustic guitarist Don Sanni.

Three of the seven Friends baked five dozen pies apiece, which were sold at $4 each. Several residents said they make a point to attend the event every year. Joe Miele said he has attended for the past three years.

“It is a wonderful event,” he said. “I try not to miss it each year.”

Friend Fran Hutchins said the event is very popular and, while the emphasis is on strawberries, the social element is also very important to attendees.

“I think people like to eat and I think people like the idea of getting out and socializing with others from town,” he said.