Bippity boppity boo!
What, when, where, and who?
The Bippity Boppity Boo Ball delivered its dynamite debut on Saturday evening, Oct. 29, at the Discovery Museum.
“It was time for something new,” said the museum’s executive director, Kelly White O’Neill.
What a smashing success. Almost all the 200 or so attendees came in costume. Chances are that everyone had a smashing good time. For sure, no one was bored.
Leigh Collier and Tania Kim headed the committee that transformed the museum into a cave of (their words, not mine) “creepy elegance.” ’Twas magical to hobnob among the giant, black candelabra, pumpkin carriages, and swirls of fog from dry ice.
Specialty cocktails had been advertised and, wow, the potent pumpkin martinis served in test tube vials were indeed special.
“Dinner-by-the-bite” consisted of a tasty vegetarian chili over rice, tri-tip sliders, veggies, and chicken parmesan on sticks. Some of the vittles were passed around as hors d’oeuvres and some were available for noshing at a buffet table.
VTC Catering and the Central City Market provided the food.
Lauren Johnston and Vonnie Stewart presided over the popular silent auction tables—brimming with purses, jewelry, vegetable baskets, and the like—that always had a crowd.
This was a family affair. Produce broker Ray Arensdorf came as Tony the Tiger. Wife Lynn was Minnie Mouse. Their son, chiropractor Ray Arensdorf, was a dashing pirate who danced in the Follies (a half-time surprise—the Discovery Museum Dancers in their first appearance). Daughter-in-law Courtney was a Swiss milkmaid.
Dr. Dennis Shepard appeared in—surprise, surprise—a doctor’s white coat. Son Dan was so successful a pirate that his mom, Franzitska, said she didn’t recognize him.
The Count of Monte Cristo, Parisian can-can girls, a matador with a handsome cape, a walking golf ball, a nun, and Father Damien were among the celebrants. Wil Collier was a sociable goblin.
Two Southern belles (complete with hoop skirts) captured a prize for best costume. They were Joyce Soberanes and Sandy Wirick.
Two Rosie the Riveters (Jennifer Murray and Brandy Gracia) also took home best costume awards.
Melanie and Eric Smith were convincing as Cleopatra and a mummy. Mike Davis was a dashing vampire, while wife Kim Davis sparkled as a beguiling witch.
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Lisa Murray created the most wonderful frothy hat of net and who knows what else (couldn’t see in the dark) and looked spectacular. Was she on her way to the races at Ascot?
Fresh from their triumphant production of A Death in Tuscany were nighttime Rotarians and drama divas Pat Haley (the blue fairy), Diane Balay (a witch with a divine feathered hat), Georgia Shore (geisha), and Jane Kakkonis (a ’20s girl).
So, dear readers, bippity boppity boo to you. Think about going next year. There is no more fun way to celebrate Halloween.
Paderewski Festival winners and SM connection
The Women’s Network regular monthly meeting on Nov. 2 was a goldmine of info.
Santa Maria’s position as a powerhouse in the arts was bolstered by news from board member Lynne Garrett, who plays violin with the Santa Maria Philharmonic and teaches piano. She proudly reported that two of her students placed first and second in the junior division of the Paderewski Festival (Nov. 10 to 13), held annually in Paso Robles.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Nov 17-24, 2011.