Antanasia Cook, Performing Stars and 10th grader at Tam High, gave a poetry reading
On May 22, the weather cooperated and helped make the FHA’s free Day in the Park a resounding success.
Event coordinator Pete Hudson reported that Davey Jones’ paella (4 varieties) was a smash: “I bought 200 compostable single–use food serving bowls and 200 compostable spoons and all were used,” he told the Floating Times. “Assume some had two servings, so say 175 people ate paella.”
Pete also bought about 250 drinks and there were none remaining after the event.
Alongside the delicious food, the entertainment drew everyone in. MC Heather Lerner was the thread that tied the whole thing together. Says Pete: “performer intros, announcements, and artist bios: she did it all and with no hesitation. Seamless.”
The hit of the day was Performing Stars vocalist ChauntiAna Thomas. Pete described her performance as “a unique composition of jazz and R&B, with elements of classical music and modern rap that created an incredible sound. She left everyone with dropped jaws wanting more.”
Magician Jay Alexander made a surprise guest appearance and wowed the crowd. “He got folks up out of their chairs to gather around and be awed by his amazing magic,” says Pete. “A real hit.”
On behalf of the FHA Pete extends a special thank you to Julie Durbin who single–handedly organized the line-up of amazing entertainers and managed it every step of the way. He also sends out a big thank you Scoutt Balchowsky (power) and Glen Brown (sound). “Without these special people and their talents,” he noted, “this event could not have happened.”
John Schlage, Aggie Bayer, and Joe Novitsky arranged the Disaster Response trailer and put out information on Community Emergency Response Teams. They also gave away Covid test kits.
The FHA increased membership and more people continued to join or renew their memberships for days after the event. All thanks to webmaster Jim Rettew.
The Bubble Lady said she had a wonderful day meeting the kids in the community and helping them make amazing bubbles. Artists from the community attracted lots of attention, showing and selling their works.
The day ended on a light note as well, when the sprinklers came on minutes after clearing the lawn. Thanks to our wonderful community for making the day such a success!