CANANDAIGUA, NY – Hmmm, how to describe Diane Olivet.  

A Wood Library Pursapalooza customer three years ago, Olivet now enjoys preparing purses and jewelry for the library’s annual fundraising sale. In fact, cleaning has never been such fun until she became part of a group that works with the donated merchandise for the sale.  

In volunteering, Olivet also enjoys the perks of her purse job. She has met people who share their love for the library and its “wonderful” service for the community. 

Maybe it’s best to let Olivet describe herself. 

“I am a purse junkie and this fundraiser is a natural outlet,” Olivet said. 

What is Pursapalooza? 

Designer bags and hundreds of new and gently used purses and totes will be available for purchase when the doors open on what library officials call their fabulous purse party. 

They’re talking quality leather bags, cute wallets, vintage purses, evening clutches and fun totes as well as a ton of jewelry items. 

People new to the event will be surprised by the variety of styles and colors, said five-year volunteer Alice Haskins. 

“This year we are featuring vintage purses paired with vintage jewelry,” Haskins said. “Totes and backpacks are also trending.”  

As a volunteer, it is rewarding to help a customer find that special piece of jewelry or just the right bag to be used for a special occasion such as a wedding, a prom, or a Christmas gift, Olivet said.  

And you can take this holiday shopping tip to heart. 

“With four daughters and five granddaughters, I can always be sure to find stocking stuffers,” Olivet said. 

When is Pursapalooza? 

The event is Saturday, Nov. 18, at Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., Canandaigua. 

A limited number of tickets are available for a champagne presale from 4 to 5:30 p.m., just before the doors open for general admission at 5:30 p.m. 

The sale ends at 7 p.m. 

How much does Purspalooza cost? 

The cost is $30 in advance and $35 at the door for the presale event. For general admission, it’s $15 ahead of time and $20 at the door. 

For Haskins, knowing that proceeds from this event support library services and programs is an added benefit. 

“I love the extra programs that the library can offer because of fundraising,” Haskins said. 

For ticket and raffle sales, visit https://wood-library-association.square.site/. 

What else happens at Pursapalooza? 

In addition to purses and jewelry, visitors can purchase raffle tickets for a new designer purse paired with gift certificates. 

Raffles will be drawn Nov. 18 and winners will be contacted by phone. 

All sales are final. No returns will be accepted. 

For more details on the event, visit https://woodlibrary.org/pursapalooza/.   

Who is sponsoring Pursapalooza? 

The presenting sponsor is the Friends of Wood Library. 

Louis Vuitton Designer: Capstone Construction Services LLC, Lakeside Cosmetic Center and Quail Summit. 

Prada Buyer: Empire Access and Ferris Hills at West Lake. 

Chanel Influencer: Gullo Dental and The Medicine Shoppe. 

Raffle donor: Adorn Jewelry and Accessories, Auto Wash Car Wash, CDGA Coffee, Crown Jewelry, Family Hair, Deb and Pete Gregory, KiX on Main, Lindsey’s Nail, The Medicine Shoppe, Michelle’s Salon, Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery and Thai by Night. 

Charcuterie is courtesy of Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake. Champagne is courtesy of Century Liquor & Wines. Photos are by Peter Blackwood Photography.  

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.