About 50 people gathered inside the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library to enjoy the offerings Friday night of the Friends of the Library’s annual Harvest Moon Champagne & Chocolate Gala.

The ticketed event served as a fundraiser for the Friends, with proceeds going to children’s activities at not only the Farmville library, but the Buckingham County Public Library in Dillwyn, according to Friends group chair Vicky Page.

About one half-hour into the celebration, Page made a special presentation of a certificate of appreciation to Prince Edward Board of Supervisors Chairman Howard F. Simpson. She said the certificate makes Simpson an honorary lifetime member of the group.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute, selling tickets and doing other things,” Simpson said about his work with the Friends. “I was on the library board when you had to go down the steps under the courthouse to get to the library.”

“And look where we are today,” Page interjected, referring to the modern library on West Third Street.

A little further into the festivities, Friends Program Chair Karen Schinabeck made another special announcement, this time for everyone to sing “Happy Birthday” to Farmville resident and businessman Hunter Watson.

In addition to the champagne, chocolates and other finger food, attendees also enjoyed the solo guitar playing of Longwood University Cook-Cole College and Arts and Sciences adjunct faculty member Andrew McEvoy.