Pretend you’re a contestant on Jeopardy. Alex Trebec says, “The funnest party in town!”
Of course, you know what the answer is: “What is the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club Annual Hawaiian Luau, Barn Party, and Auction?”
To put it more simply, it’s the Rotary Barn Party.
Many things make this event irresistible: the gaming tables that allow you to bet a lot of dough on blackjack and craps and not lose your Hawaiian shirt (guests are given a wad of funny money at the sign-in table); the no-host bar with super friendly bartenders; the chance to buy 50-50 raffle tickets and get one of the flashing LED gizmos that are such a kick; and the opportunity to see and chat with folks you haven’t seen for at least 24 hours.
And then there are silent auction tables and tons of food.
This year’s funfest was held Saturday night, April 17, at its usual locale: the cavernous Fairpark barn. Radisson Hotel manager Jean Luc Garon was event chairperson.
More than 400 tickets at a very reasonable $50 were sold. And at starting time, 5:30 p.m., the place was already packed. No one wanted to miss a thing. Susan Ortega commented, “It seems like this year everyone got here a little earlier.”
City Hall was well represented by Mayor Larry and Donna Lavagnino, City Councilman Mike Cordero, and City Manager Tim Ness. City Councilman Bob Orach sold raffle tickets as he made the rounds of the room.
Among those also enjoying the evening were Steve and Maria Lavagnino, Bert and Blanche Fugate, and Dr. Michael and Susan Moats.
Jim Ventriglia, Mike Larrabee, and Dr. William Miller were on the well-manned barbecue team that worked at the side of the barn. Barbecued tri-tip, sausages, and chicken were served as before-dinner appetizers, while the dinner buffet included pork, chicken, salad, fruit salad, rice, Hawaiian salmon salad, rolls, and cake.
Four long tables displayed all manner of temptation: jewelry, household items, camping chairs and this and that. Table 4 was the jewel in the crown: a big spread of wines, spirits, and that must have: cigars.
Live auction items included a helicopter ride for eight; a dinner for six, prepared by the Central Market executive chef; a barbecue for 150; and two nights in Vegas for two, airfare included.
Funds raised at the Luau will go to local charitable organizations. Since 1989, the Breakfast Rotary has given more than $800,000 to the community.
Minerva Club Trash ‘n Treasures Sale
Another very popular annual event was held this past weekend. The Minerva Club held its Trash ‘n Treasures Sale on Friday and Saturday at its clubhouse on Boone. Club president Lou Glenn reported that at opening time Friday morning, the waiting line was wrapped all around the parking lot. We are not surprised. There are always good things to be found there.
I spotted Margaret Paden, Mickey Whittier, Pauline Skiba, and Mary Oliver volunteering at the cash register, the jewelry table (always a madhouse), and clothing sales.
Tom Ellerding and Ron Glenn, as deputies in charge of security, kept the crowd at bay and monitored club entry.
Proceeds from this event are slated for the club’s scholarship fund.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Apr 22-29, 2010.