Friends of the Fernie Heritage Library presented their Black Tie Gala “A Summer Affair” on Saturday June 25. This biannual gala is known for its amazing themes and fine detail in everything from the invitations to the garden reception, dinner and auctions.

This year’s theme included the colour pink so it was a wonderful surprise to see the many lovely pink details that were noticeable in the invitations, linens, menu and drink cards and place settings as well as the tall tower flower arrangements. Hand rolled rosettes and flowers encrusted with colourful jewels decorated name, menu cards and tables, each lady was given a colourful fascinator to clip in hair, every gentleman had a fresh carnation boutonniere placed on the lapel by a gorgeous lady.

The evening began on the splendid Library grounds where guests mingled in the garden. Ladies attired in stunning gowns and gentlemen in tuxedo and black suits were treated to champagne cocktails served by handsome firemen in uniform to a background of live music and trays of delicious savory, sweet and fresh fruit treats.

At eight pm guests made their way into the Library space that had been converted to a fancy dinner restaurant so the senses were treated to an array of beautiful accents on tables and surrounding wall and shelves of specialty auction items donated by the many generous people of this community.

Casey Brennan was the auctioneer and treated everyone to a musical rendition, he sang beautifully and always does an excellent job of conducting the auction as he seems to have a way of drawing people to bid higher and higher for the important key purpose of fundraising for the Library.

Dinner was also a work of art with a wedge salad adorned with flower petals, a melt in the mouth braised rib with rutabaga mash, glazed carrots, mint and serrano chimichurri, and desert of a cider poached pear with mascarpone whipped cream and cinnamon crumble.

Hostess Angela Morgan made everyone feel welcome with her warm smile and lovely, friendly manner and is one of the main organizers of the event however the Friends of the Library are numerous and they were all working this evening making sure it was a success. So many sponsors, donors and volunteers made this event the special evening it always is. Anie Radish and her friend provided the most lovely, melodious music and Mary Menduk read one of her recently published poems. People were generous in their donations and also in bidding on the many beautiful items. This truly is a magical evening in Fernie. Thanks to the organizing committee for the extreme thought and work put into the many intricacies that made this an enchanting event. Thank you to the volunteers and library staff for turning the first floor from a library into a striking space and thank you everyone for a great evening. This Library is special because of the many people that value it so highly, enough to work so hard to organize this type of fundraiser that not only increases funds to help the Library improve what they offer but also to provide an evening of entertainment that won’t be soon forgotten.

Thanks to the organizing committee; Angela, Emma, Mary-Jane, Min, Sylvia, Alicia and Celine, you did good gals, and boy you looked fabulous.