There is always much going on in town, last week the Fernie Academy presented a play “Treasure Island” at Holy Family Parish Hall and I was amazed at the talent shown by the students. The music was sung beautifully, the acting performance was fantastic, the background set marvelous, I was entertained and the time just flew, so congratulations to the people and kids involved that put on this wonderful performance.
The Arts and Letters Gala should have been titled “Putting on the Ritz”. Top hat and tails, plumes and fascinators, flapper dresses and sequined gowns, long strands of pearls and glitter, mint juleps, champagne, white linen, soaring centerpieces of greenery and roses, origami favor boxes, exquisite decorations, all contributed to a night that will be long remembered by the one hundred plus people that attended the event.
It all began with mint julep drinks and appetizers by the Blue Touque at the Arts Station. Guests were literally given the Red Carpet treatment as they stepped up a red carpet covering the stairs and onto the deck of the Arts Station. They were then greeted by three elegantly dressed ladies, Emma Dressler in a black and printed long number, Gail Adams in a form fitted navy hued gown and Angela Morgan in a gown with many minute pleats . After spending an hour kibitzing and enjoying the cool drinks the crowd was escorted by the vintage Studebaker fire truck driven by Tom Hopkins looking dapper in uniform. Standing behind Tom was a twenties style musician providing music on the saxophone. All promenaded down Victoria Avenue to the Library Garden where handsome Fernie Firefighters in uniform served champagne. Inside, the Library had been turned into a twenties style restaurant with pink, black and white decorations. Tables covered in white linen accented by patterned centers, elegant touches of pink and black in the menus, programmes and table favors. Towers of glass held bouquets of snapdragons, trailing greenery and roses and huge feather plumes. Silent and live auction items lined two walls, entertainmenment was provided by a lovely young woman who had the crowd eating out of her hand as she performed an engaging number accapello.
Casey Brennan was a lively auctioneer and after enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by the Old Elevator at eleven o’clock the crowd reluctantly walked over to the Picnic Restaurant to enjoy dessert and dance the night away.
It was one of those magical events where everyone “was in a good mood as soon as they entered the door” as Emma Dressler was heard to comment. This was true as everyone had a wonderful time and the event raised a large amount of money that will be used by the Art Station and Library to fund children’s events and programming. Special thanks go to the organizers of this year’s gala, Angela Morgan, Gail Adams, Shannon Milne, Rebecca Hall, Kerri Holmes and Emma Dressler. Thanks go to all the supporters of the event who contributed in so many ways but special thanks must go to the organizers who paid attention to the smallest detail making the evening one of elegance, nostalgia and good time, truly a night to remember.
