Memorable Parties of 2016
There’s nothing we at RI love more than covering the region’s galas; it’s the perfect opportunity to visit with wonderful old friends, meet interesting new ones, and taste the delicious food and drink produced right here at home. That’s why picking only a handful of parties for our year-end wrap-up is always so difficult. We’d like to thank the residents of this region for being so generous with their time, talent and funding of organizations that improve the quality of life in our area and make residing here a joy. Below is a sampling of the galas, gallery openings, fetes and festivals that make our jobs so fun. (Click here to relive all of 2016’s parties.)
Celebrating a Century Huge congratulations were in order this summer as The Columbia County Historical Society blew out the candles on its 100th birthday cake. The centennial celebration made this year’s First Columbians gala that much more significant.
Go BIFF or Go Home The Berkshire International Film Festival knows how to throw a big-time bash to open its annual film festival, and this year’s was another high-style affair in Great Barrington that included special guest Yo-Yo Ma and a 20-foot pagoda.
HVA All Day A rare daytime event (because who doesn’t love a late brunch?), The Housatonic Valley Association’s annual fundraiser raised an impressive amount of money thanks to auction items that included tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers and a meet-and-greet with the host himself, a private studio visit with Diane von Furstenberg, and a five-night stay in Tuscany.
Down on the Farm From cocktails in the Field House and tours of the Learning Garden to dinner in the fields, supporters had free reign of Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook at the 9th annual Farm-to-Table Dinner.
We’re Wild About Wilderstein Even a gray day couldn’t dampen the spirits (or the stellar views of the Hudson River) at Wilderstein’s Summer Celebration. The Rhinebeck historic site’s main annual fundraiser saw a large turnout and lots of festive party hats.
Naumkeag Cuts the Ribbon Naumkeag’s Chinese Temple Garden received a facelift for its 60th birthday and a garden party for 300+ friends thrown by The Trustees of Reservations. Guests enjoyed Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres and traditional Chinese performances while reveling in one of the best views in the Berkshires.
The Thrill of the Grill Judging by the successful turnout at the inaugural Grillsdale in Hillsdale, the tasting event will be making a comeback in 2017. When it does, we suggest snagging tickets early to this most delicious of competitions.
Chef Meet Farmer Jaw-dropping views of rolling hills, ponds and mountains? Check. A breakfast spread courtesy of 10 of the finest local restaurants, farms and food vendors? Check. The satisfaction of knowing you helped a great cause? Check. It's no wonder tickets to this year's NECC’s Chef & Farmer Brunch sold out.
Welcome to the Jungle Guns ‘n’ Roses would’ve approved of The Wassaic Project’s 2016 summer exhibition, Appetite for Destruction, as it shared the name of the group’s 1987 debut album. We thought pretty highly of it, too, and of the venue’s super fun opening event.
The Curtain Comes Up We love being privy to a good sneak preview of upcoming events, and Powerhouse Theater provided one when it kicked off its 32nd season with an opening party at Canvas in Poughkeepsie.
Famous Faces in Beautiful Places Blythe Danner, Parker Posey, Mary Stuart Masterson, Ally Sheedy, Rocco DiSpirito and many other famous faces showed up at the Fisher Center’s SummerScape Gala at Montgomery Place. And it’s no wonder they did, as guests were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor performance by ballet star Sergei Polunin.
A New Home for the Hudson Library Seven years of hard work finally paid off when a joyous crowd got to officially enter and explore its new Hudson Area Library.
The Spirit of 1966 Around 300 people ventured out in the rain to help Olana State Historic Site celebrate its 50th birthday with ‘60s-inspired nibbles, tunes and decorations. Only a late-breaking thunder and lightning storm could break up this swinging soiree.
Everyone Knows Nancy In addition to its annual bash, IS183 Art School of the Berkshires threw its first-ever honoree event, the Fitzpatrick Fandango, this year to celebrate its 25th birthday and to thank philanthropist and IS183 co-founder Nancy Fitzpatrick.
The Spotlight Shines on The Sharon Playhouse The Sharon Playhouse Spotlight Gala paid tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch and awarded his friend Glenn Close an inaugural "Excellence in Musical Theater" honor named after him.
Black Leather and Feathers Berkshire Museum’s Raven’s Ball was adrift in ebony evening dresses, brocade vests, black leather pants, ascots and sable plumage… until the dinosaur showed up.
No Good Deed Goes Unpartied Berkshire United Way’s annual “Day of Caring” culminated in 50 book houses for children installed throughout the county, and, to celebrate, volunteers and sponsors let loose at Hancock Shaker Village.
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