Miniature golf returns to Wood Library

Mike Murphy, MPNnow
·4 min read

CANANDAIGUA, NY – A year ago, Carrie McKeegan and her three children met up with their friends for a round of golf. Miniature golf, that is.

And not outside – too cold for that – but inside, on an elaborately designed course set up in Wood Library. Last year, more than 400 people participated in the inaugural event and helped to raise nearly $11,500, which helps fund library programs and services.

The experience helped McKeegan and her family explore the Canandaigua library and learn more about the different kinds of services it offers.

And she learned something about herself in the process.

“I learned I’m not a super golfer, mini or regular, but it really was very, very fun and very creative,” McKeegan said.

David Keefe, joined by wife Pat, tackles a challenging hole sponsored by Finger Lakes Community College at Wood Library's Friday night mini golf fundraiser, Fairway Frolic.
David Keefe, joined by wife Pat, tackles a challenging hole sponsored by Finger Lakes Community College at Wood Library's Friday night mini golf fundraiser, Fairway Frolic.

And yes, McKeegan and the kids will be scheduling tee times for this year’s event.

When miniature golfers hit the library’s links March 24 and March 25, organizers are hoping to reach a level on par with last year’s purse, or maybe sink a hole-in-one and bring in even more money.

Here’s how it works

The Canandaigua library will transform into a fun and challenging 18-hole miniature golf course laid out indoors over several floors of the library.

Using real putters and golf balls, Friends of Wood Library and families from all over the greater Canandaigua community can test their skills on various artificial greens set up throughout the library.

As part of the fundraiser, local businesses sponsored and decorated each of the holes and fairways. Last year, one of the holes was made to look like an airport, for example, with airplanes as obstacles.

Some of the holes were even lighted.

Lights were one of the perks for golfers at this hole sponsored by CDGA Coffee Co. as part of a miniature golf fundraiser at Wood Library. This year's event is March 24-25.
Lights were one of the perks for golfers at this hole sponsored by CDGA Coffee Co. as part of a miniature golf fundraiser at Wood Library. This year's event is March 24-25.

Raffles, a silent auction, and an engaging 19th hole are planned. There will also be a three-hole "toddler course" specifically designed for the library’s youngest library patrons.

For many families, the kids have grown up with the library staff, McKeegan said. Now they can bond over golf in addition to story times.

“It’s an inviting setting,” she said. “It’s a warm setting.”

Fairway Frolic on Friday

The “Fairway Frolic” is from 5 to 8 p.m. March 24, and is for adults only (21 years old and up).

Participants take to the course for 18 holes of mini golf; the 19th hole comes with libations and appetizers. 

The cost is $25 per person. Registration is required.

Library Links on Saturday

The family-friendly “Library Links” is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday, March 25, featuring 18 holes of mini-golf decorated by sponsors.

The cost is $5 per person and free for children ages 4 and under. To keep play moving, the maximum group number is 6. Registration is required.

Raffle, silent auction swag

Participants also have the chance to win numerous prizes through raffles and a silent auction. Raffle tickets are $5, available online or in person on the day of the event. Highlights include a painted tapestry table by Peggi Heisenberger; a two-hour private captained cruise on Canandaigua Lake offered by Seager Marine; a spa experience at Mirbeau Inn and Spa, Skaneateles; a dinner at home prepared by professional chef Brian Alvaro; and a painting by Canandaigua artist Pat Rini Rohrer.

Winners need not be present to win. More raffle information is available at www.woodlibrary.org/events, then click on the “Raffles” link for a description of each raffle item.

How to get tickets

Because of the need for tee times, tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/WoodLibraryMiniGolf. The ticket link can also be found via cellphone by using the QR code found on various mini-golf posters and displays around Canandaigua.

Sponsors

This event was a wonderful success last year and Wood Library Executive Director Jenny Goodemote is hopeful for another strong turnout this year.

“It’s an important fundraiser for the library, so it’s exciting to see that again this year it has generated strong support from a wide range of sponsors," Goodemote stated. "These commitments are a reaffirmation that our business community believes fully in the mission of Wood Library. We are grateful for our community’s consistent support.”

Presenting Sponsor: Uber Lawns & Landscape

Premier Partners: Cobblestone Capital Advisors; GoNetspeed

Watering Hole Sponsors: Muehe Maue & Robinson LLP; Riedman Companies; Rochester Air Center

Scorecard Sponsor: West Herr Automotive Group

Hole Sponsors: Aquatic Center of Rochester; Bergmann Rochester; Community Bank; Finger Lakes Community College; The Friend Team; Friends of Wood Library; Howard Hanna Canandaigua Office; Marianacci Builders; Mitchell Pierson Jr Inc. Realtors; Morrell Builders; Project LeanNation Canandaigua; Radec Electric; Reliant Credit Union; Robin Hanggi Real Estate; Rochester Air Center; Unique Toy Shop.

Toddler Short Course: Finger Lakes Dental Care; Shortsville Reindeer Farm; YMCA of Greater Rochester Canandaigua Family Branch

Golf Club Sponsor: The Eye Care Center

Golf Ball Sponsor: Kiwanis Club of Canandaigua; Canandaigua National Bank

Caddie Sponsors: b. u. coaching; Five Star Bank; The Law Offices of Teresa Pare; Wolfe Insurance Agency

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Miniature golf returns to Wood Library in Canandaigua NY