On each table was a fan in purple tones, different from the past years'. Many people have started collections of these fans, commemorationg this annual event. Hat pins were given as gifts to all who attended, complete with a beaded teapot on the end.
Everyone enjoyed the bountiful assortment of sweet and savory treats, enjoyed during the course of the evening. There were so many tasties that the Victorian kisses (vanilla merigues) had to be passed around separately.
The evening's entertainment was provided by dancers from Old Sturbridge Village - featuring early period dancing leading up to the early Victorian period. They demonstrated and led period dances and encouraged member and guests to try them out. The music was provided by Art Martin, playing a wooden recorder. He is dance captain of OSV Dancers.
Susan de Guardiola, dance historian, also spoke about dances and etiquette for dancing and led willing members and guests in other dances.
The evening also had our annual parade of hats, with winners in six categories. What a variety of imaginative hats were shown off!
The announcement of our raffle winners was made and they each received a lovely basket of gifts.
Next year, of course, there will be a different theme but within the Victorian period and a new fan to add to everyone's collection.
View a slide show of the event at http://www.photoshow.com/watch/fQ9Tq9mt?language=enu
Above photo courtesy of Doll Collecting at About.com
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