In the same week the exciting news came down that this year's North Branford Potato and Corn (POCO) festival is in the planning for August (see related story), North Branford POCO and NB Parks and Recreation Department launched two amazing fundraising raffles  – "Taste of North Branford"  (grand prize, at least 30 --and possibly a few more -- $50 gift certificates to the same number of North Branford and Northford eateries) and "Local Beer & Wine" (grand prize, 20 $50 gift certificates to 20 area breweries and wineries).

The second prize winner of the "Taste" raffle will receive at least 30 $25 gift certificates to the same number of North Branford and Northford eateries; while 3rd-22nd prize winners will choose a $25 gift card from available prizes.  Second prize winner of the "Beer & Wine" raffle wins 20 $25 gift cards to 20 local breweries and wineries; 3rd-22nd prize winners choose a $25 gift cards from those available.

Tickets are $20 and only 2,000 tickets are available for each raffle. Drawings will be live streamed on the POCO Facebook page Tuesday, April 20.

Both raffles are designed to support local businesses while helping build funds for future POCO and recreation opportunities for the community, said POCO Coordinator Jennifer McCulloch.

"This is our first really big fundraiser," said McCulloch. "Obviously, missing last year hurt our fundraising efforts, so we're just trying to do everything we can to keep things going in a positive direction. We also wanted to do what we can to support our local eateries, breweries and wineries, and encourage the community, in turn, to support them."

To that end, all raffle prize gift certificates will be purchased by POCO.

"We want to buy gift cards from them so we're not putting any more strain on them than they've already had, because they've had such a hard time because of COVID. We didn't want to ask anything else of any small businesses," said McCulloch, noting, as additional prizes offered as part of the "Taste" raffle, "...Country Paint and Hardware did step up to donate certificates. They are always super supportive of us."

It's also important to note that POCO is a self-sustaining program which relies on fundraising, she said.

"The festival is a self-sustaining event that's not taking any money out of the town budget or from taxes," said McCulloch.

Funds raised by the raffles will benefit plans and programs in the works at the festival's Augur Field site for POCO and North Branford Parks and Recreation.

"We have that partnership and work together," she said. "There are things and improvements we'd like to be able to do at the grounds, both as part of the festival and through North Branford Parks and Recreation. There are some different ideas we have for transforming that site to be more beneficial for the town."

Ideas range from a stage for concerts, plays and performances to improving restroom facilities, possibly adding some pavilion space, and improving existing outbuildings on the site; all with an eye toward maintaining the agricultural character of the grounds.

Raffle tickets are currently on sale, while they last at https://northbranfordct.myrec.com/info/products/default.aspx

Find more information on the raffle, drawing and other news on Facebook at @NorthBranfordPoCoFest