Friends of the Libraries to host Afternoon Tea

COLFAX – The Friends of the Whitman County Libraries are getting ready for the second annual Afternoon Tea and Silent Auction.

The afternoon event will begin at 2 p.m., May 11, at The Center, 110 S. Main Street in Colfax, and is expected to last approximately two hours.

Individuals, friends and families can reserve tables for the event, letting them partake in an afternoon of catered food, tea and fun. Colfax local Ginny Millar will be catering the event with finger sandwiches, scones, salads, charcuterie and more. Opportunities for complementary photos from Simply Bless will also be available.

Whitman County Libraries Event Organizer Nanette Nebe encourages people to, “Come to the tea party and create memories with friends and family!”

Those who wish to attend must supply their own tea and dinning sets, with a setup day for the event from 1 to 7 p.m. on May 10.

The Friends of the Libraries urge those who wish to attend to dress in their “Sunday best”, with fancy hats and princess dresses encouraged for the event.

A silent auction will follow the festivities, with the option for people who cannot attend the event to pre-bid on items beginning on May 1 at The Center. Bids will be revealed at the end of the event, and winners can take home their items, or pick-up at The Center after the event if not able to attend on the event date.

This year’s silent auction will have a range of themed baskets from over 30 local businesses, including items like a golf-themed “tee time” basket for several round of golf at the Colfax Golf Course, bar tab and more.

Reservations for the event can be facilitated by Cody Allen at the Colfax branch of the Whitman County library, (509) 397-4366. There is a cost of $35/person for the event, with table options also available (up to eight people) for $225. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Afternoon Tea will be the Friends of the Library’s spring fundraiser to help support summer reading and programs facilitated by the fourteen branches of The Whitman County Library.

The event was started in 2023 to honor Bettie Steiger and the Steiger family, who held High Teas in the 1990s. The events occurred at Pleasant Times Antique Gift Shop in Endicott and were memorable experiences for Mrs. Steiger and others.