Skies were cloudy overheard, with intermittent rain all day, but that did nothing to dampen the spirits of nearly 200 guests at the Berkshire Botanical Garden'sFête des Fleurs on Saturday evening, July 28. We can imagine no better example of flower power than the décor inside the tent, where orchid arrangements — real and fantastical — provided a feast for the eye, as did the florid attire and over-the-top hats worn by many attendees (including BBG executive director Molly Boxer, left, with milliner Victoria DiNardo Montifore and Vicki Bonnington). SOMA catering provided the more literal feast of hors d'oeuvres, which complemented a champagne toast to the evening's honorees, Jean and Georgeanne Rousseau, who were recognized for 30 years of involvement with the Garden.
Dr. Peter Hansen with Kelly Kynion, Petra Krauledat, and Doone Marshall of Body & Soul Spa; BBG director of horticulture Dorthe Hviid with Ed McMahon and BBG board secretary Gloria McMahon.
Terry Burman, Bonnie Burman, Lee Abraham, and Katherine Abraham; Fête co-chair Elaine Grant sends off a Garden on Fire sky lantern as onlookers make their wishes.
BBG trustee Jo Dare Mitchell, honoree Jean Rousseau, board chairman and Fête co-chair Matthew Larkin, executive director Molly Boxer, and honoree Georgeanne Rousseau.
Barrington Stage Company board chair Minkie Quinson, BBG board vice-chairman Madeline Hooper, 2009 BBG guest gardener Jack Staub, and Jim Lamme; Caitlin Nash and Blue Q's Mitch Nash.
Party-goers enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres under the suspended floral display designed by Fête des Fleurs co-chairs Matthew Larkin and Elaine Grant. Photos courtesy of Silka Glanzman, communications manager at Berkshire Botanical Garden.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
