AGAWAM – The Captain Charles Leonard House is hosting a weekend of fundraising, beginning with a beer tasting and barbecue, followed by a “Summer Shopping Bazaar.”

In an effort to raise money for the Captain Charles Leonard House – the house which has served as Agawam’s social events site for over 200 years – Phil Kimball, board of trustees member, shared the plans for this year's festivities.

To kick off the weekend’s events, on July 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., the community is invited to attend their traditional beer tasting and barbecue. The event will take place on the grounds of the Leonard House, located at 663 Main St., Agawam.

This event is sponsored by McCarthy’s Liquors in Agawam.

Kimball extended his appreciation to John McCarthy of McCarthy Liquors.

“John gets all the beer donated … without him this wouldn’t be happening,” he said.

According to Kimball, McCarthy puts together about 200 varieties of craft and imported beer, ciders and seltzers for people to sample. All of these drinks are available for purchase at McCarthy Liquors.

Every year, McCarthy searches for new and upcoming beers, with this year’s selection including Iron Duke Brewing, Loophole Brewing, White Lion Brewery, Downeast Ciders, and more.

To pair with these beverages, there will also be a plethora of food.

“We are trying to promote Joey’s Deli – a new business in Feeding Hills. They will do some pulled pork sliders with barbecue sauce and homemade mac and cheese,” said Kimball.

The board of trustees will also be cooking up some hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, etc.

With the coverage of TNT Tents, the event will be happening rain or shine.

To attend the beer tasting and barbecue, tickets cost $40 per person. Pricing includes food.

Kimball said the event will have a “giant” raffle with lots of prizes. The only part that ticket prices don’t cover is the raffle.

“All funds raised will go directly to the maintenance and preservation of the Charles Leonard House,” explained Kimball.

Tickets are available for purchase at McCarthy Liquors, located at 430 Main Street, or by calling John McCarthy directly at 786-9537. Phil Kimball can also be reached for tickets at 374-5673. Tickets are available at the door, however Kimball encourages people to purchase them in advance.

“We are anxious for this year’s event and we hope people come out to support the Charles Lenoard House,” he said.

Following this anticipated evening of fun, the Captain Charles Leonard House will host the “Summer Shopping Bazaar” on Aug. 1. This event will have over 30 different crafters and vendors selling wares. From bird houses to beauty products, Kimball assured they will have it all.

Some of the vendors in attendance at the fair include Avon beauty and skincare; Tastefully Simple, food seasonings, flavors sauces and baking items; Yard Garb, glass ceramic flowers, teapot birdie bungalow; Sandmann gifts, gnomes, doggie neckties, cutting boards; customized Starbucks tumblers, and much more.

Food will be sold including hot dogs, hamburgers and non-alcoholic beverages.

In the future, Kimball hopes to make this a yearly event.

For additional information on the upcoming events hosted by the Captain Charles Leonard House, visit its official Facebook page or website at http://captainleonardhouse.com.