BEMUS POINT – Celebrating 20 years calls for a big shindig, and Classic Brass knows how to throw one.

Classic Brass hosted its 20th anniversary in Bemus Point on Thursday night at the Lawson Center.

Located in Lakewood, the family-owned company provides solid brass decorative cabinet and door hardware to premiere showrooms across the United States and Canada.

The deck outside the facility was filled with people enjoying the lake, listening to live music and observing the 66 new pieces of solid brass decorative cabinet and door hardware on display.

Christopher Creighton, Classic Brass founder and owner, said he was thrilled to gather in recognition of the milestone. This is the first celebration of this kind, and Creighton said he was thrilled to share it with the 100 guests in attendance.

For the occasion, Creighton brought in Wells Hog Wild Barbecue of Warren, Pa., and Reverie Creamery of Mayville was on site with their famous cheeses hors d’oeuvres.

The event was hosted in honor of the employees, local vendors, customers, family and friends.

Creighton said he wanted to bring in local businesses because he enjoys working with and supporting the community.

“We have a real sense of family in our business, so it made perfect sense,” he said.

He said the company has a rich heritage.

“Our roots come from Chautauqua Hardware,” Creighton said. “We’re noted as one of the leading manufacturers of brass.”

In the 1950s, Garretson James Creighton Jr. started working with Chautauqua Hardware, and acquired it in 1971.

The family business is continuing on with Creighton’s children, Brooke Creighton Lindsley and Andrew Creighton.

The celebration was held almost to the day that Classic Brass shipped its first production of private label products, and has been growing ever since, he said.

The company is expecting to hire five to 10 new employees next year.

“We’re looking at expansive growth next year,” Creighton said.

Matt Patterson, director of sales, said the company is very flexible when it comes to manufacturing.

“We have great customer service and we listen to our customers,” Patterson said. “We make a fantastic, quality product.”

He said the company is especially proud of the new cabinet and door hardware which was displayed throughout the evening.

“This is the first time we’ve done new cabinet (pieces) in 10 years, and people have been waiting for it,” Patterson said. “It’s been a great addition.”

State Sen. Cathy Young, R-C-I-Olean, sent a proclamation with Susan Crowley, her representative, in honor of the event.