It was a night like no other (scroll down to see slide show below)! The Madison Bicentennial Ball was perhaps the most magnificent evening I've ever experienced! The gowns were to-die-for beautiful . . . we even had a guest dressed in Scarlett O'Hara's green velvet curtains! The men in their formal tuxes were handsome and impressive but we absolutely loved those fabulous kilts!
This unforgettable evening would never have been possible without the Bicentennial Ball Committee composed of Christine D. Lambert, Chair, Ginger Gardner, Mary McCauley and Carole Vernon. Of course the City of Madison team of Ann Huff, Ken and Monica (Callahan) Kocher, Lori Stapp, Julee Wagner and Amanda Vernon spent countless hours to ensure a perfect evening.
The setting at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center was in a word: Exquisite! Mostly lit by candlelight, the tables were set with large candle operas, beautiful flower arrangements, crystal and silver. Magic! Each table was named for a former Madison Mayor. Lee Epting of Epting Events in Athens catered the event and did a masterful job, with the staff including Lee Epting himself dressed in period outfits! The flowers arrangements were made by members of our very own Church of the Advent Flower Guild and the flowers and greenery used came from our own back yards with the exception of the fabulous hydrangeas!
The menu was like traveling back in time 200 years! It all started out with Oxtail Soup which was the most delicious tasting appetizer I've had in years! The Entree included Pork Tenderloin served with cranberry chutney; Roasted Quail with apple nut stuffing; Garlic Baked Oysters; Sauteed green beans; Butternut Squash Gratin with goat cheese & Hazelnuts; and Beaten Biscuits, a traditional southern biscuit that dates back to the days before baking powder and baking soda were available! Dessert was a fabulous Pear Tart presented with a sweet cream sauce. It was all Divine!
The Atlanta Seventeen Orchestra played Big Band music that literally had everyone on their feet swingin' to the beat! Our very own Stan DeJarnett sang and played with the band!
I hope you enjoy the slide show below, in spite of the some fuzzy photos -- just consider them art! It is rather long and the music will repeat several times! Also, the Morgan County Citizen is constantly updating the slide show using photos taken from the glamorous people who attended the event! Special thanks goes out to Kay Argroves, Allison Bourgeois and Shelagh Reitman who shared their wonderful photos! Also, the photos from the Citizen's Award-Winning Photographer Angelina Bellebuono are now included in the slide show. Y'all can now save photos or download a copy of the slide show as a keepsake! Thanks and enjoy!
