Masqueraders had a ball!
By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder
Monday, March 17 2008
Organizers June Savage and Kathy McIntyre said it was what Gabriola really needed and billed it as a Fancy Dress Masquerade Ball.
Perhaps they were right, judging from the overwhelming response.
And what started out as a one-off excuse to wear fancy gowns is morphing into an annual, or even semi-annual event.
To arrive at the sold-out Surf Lounge on Saturday evening, March 8th was to enter another world. Or several worlds, or dimensions, filled with forest and other assorted far-out nymphs, Friars, Parisian and other varieties of elegant couples and more tuxedos, fancy masks, silk and feathers than anyone could have imagined existed on the island.
Everywhere there was talk this is too much fun, who is that and unanimous agreement that another masquerade must take place as soon as possible.
It was more difficult to arrive at a consensus about prizes for best costumes, many more than three could have been awarded to folks who went all out and then added a little extra.
In the upper left hand corner are the first prize winners, Kelly Price and Brad Shipley paying tribute to Mozart. Second place was earned by Evangeline VanDerHeide, shown with a few friends who illustrate the fierce but friendly competition and third prize went to the naturally creative Sue Addison, who owns Pretty Devils Tattooing.
That’s Ron Bell-Irving in the kilt and face paint, his boa-ed wife Alison has always insisted; “he wears the skirt in our family.” The organizers were being escorted around the fireplace by Rick Cranston while Dinah D and Tina Jones - half of the Martini Foursome - played on.
McIntyre and Savage admitted it was a tough choice, almost as hard as going to the loo in those big puffy dresses with hoop crinolines. They were unable to drive to the masquerade in their small cars, opting to change at the Surf because no carriages were available, at least not at this, the first ball.
“It was a fantastic effort from at least two generations of gorgeous gals and guys,” they said. “The costumes far exceeded our expectations and if a prize would have been given to the most unrecognizable person, it would most likely have been given to Suzy, wow, what a babe!”
The music, the food, the costumes, the ambiance all made for an “exceptionally charming evening” they said, and with a wave of peacock feathers and in a blur of curls and tiaras they said a special thanks to the hard working staff at the Surf, Alanna, Ashley and Sarah as well as the kitchen staff for the “fabulous spread.”
More than 200 photographs are circulating on Facebook, they reported, and hinted that a sequel is well on its way.
“We’re thinking ‘Enchanted Evening,’” said Kathy McIntrye and June Savage.
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