May 28, 2009 A Chautauqua County winery’s Strawberry Festival in June will feature Ruben Brown, a former Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears offensive lineman,
and the Buffalo Jills. The event, which will be held at Merritt Estate Winery on June 13 and 14, will raise money for the Ruben Brown Foundation and Ruben’s Motorcycle Run of Buffalo. Admission is free. The 29th annual festival raises funds for a different charity each year. It features live entertainment, live and silent auctions and raffles for a Mustang and a Harley as well as food, wine and beer. The entertainment schedule is: Saturday, noon to 3 p.m., Black Widow 3 to 6 p.m., Bareback Jack and 6 to 10 p.m., Sean Patrick McGraw. Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., The Blast 3 to 6 p.m., Heard of Buffalo. The winery is at 2264 King Road, Forestville.
The Ruben Brown Foundation assists charities and community organizations that focus on youth athletic, cultural and educational programs. Beneficiaries have included the Salvation Army in Buffalo and Chicago, Buffalo Prep Academy and the Seneca Nation Diabetes Foundation , as well as local youth league programs. The motorcycle run, held in three cities, raises funds for the foundation. The Buffalo event will be June 28.