The Most Memorable Parties of 2018
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 2018’s parties.)
BIFF GOES BOLLYWOOD
At a private home in Canaan, New York, a sold-out crowd reveled in Indian food, music and jewel-toned finery to raise money for the Berkshire International Film Festival.
TIVOLI ARTISTS GALLERY TURNS 25
The Tivoli Artists Gallery held a fundraising soiree at the famed Rokeby Estate in Red Hook. A steamy July night couldn’t keep the crowd away from this party with a million-dollar view.
THE PILOBOLUS 5 SENSES FESTIVAL
The Washington, Connecticut-based dance troupe launched a brand-new summer festival with a kickoff party for the ages, complete with magical performances for the eyes and ears, and a dinner for the tastebuds.
NAUMKEAG'S GARDEN PARTY
Boasting some of the best views in the region, this Trustees of Reservations property wowed guests again with a gala celebrating and funding its continued restoration.
NYFC FARM FUTURE CELEBRATES YOUNG FARMERS
A rainy day didn’t dampen the spirits of supporters of The National Young Farmers Coalition. The Hudson-based nonprofit celebrated with food and a young farmers panel at Letterbox Collective.
THE SYLVIA CENTER'S ANNUAL DINNER
More than 350 people dined together under one huge tent at Katchkie Farm to support The Sylvia Center’s important work. The dinner was, as always, out of this world.
A NOVEL NIGHT OUT AT LENOX LIBRARY
Photos on the READ Carpet, LIBations (Fear & Loathing in Lenox, anyone?), a “Tale of Two Cities” auction and more made this fundraiser a critic’s choice.
JACOB'S PILLOW HONORS THE PAST, FUNDS THE FUTURE
Another jam-packed season kicked off with a tribute to Carmen de Lavallade, performances by Ephrat Asherie and Janis Claxton Dance, and a dance party with Paul Loren and his One-Night Only Band.
BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN'S BIG FETE
The ‘Beautiful Strangers’ sculpture exhibit opened at the BBG’s annual Fête Des Fleurs, where guests also were treated to a first look at the recently constructed Center House’s new entry garden.
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST: LINDA LAVIN & STEVE BAKUNAS
The actress discussed her life and career while her husband, Steve Bakunas, painted her portrait in this unique fundraiser for the Spencertown Academy Arts Center.
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE'S UTOPIA GALA
Guests enjoyed a magical evening that included a farm-to-table meal in The Round Stone Barn, live music, dancing and a finale of fireworks over the fields.
Please Support Rural Intelligence
We want to continue delivering the entertaining, informative and upbeat stories in the inimitable Rural Intelligence style, despite a pandemic. But we need your support to keep us going. Please consider making a donation; even a small amount helps secure our future. Support us now.
(If you prefer, mail a check to: 45 Pine Grove Ave., Suite 303, Kingston, NY 12401.)
Support Now