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February was the longest month ever for people in the events industry with a very crowded calendar. Members of the Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association can certainly attest to that.
In fact, several of those organizers were invited to a behind-the-scenes look at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) on Presidents Day by CGAF executive director Camille Marchese. This year’s festival was better than ever with several great additions this writer had never seen.
Aside from amazing juried art, there was a large children’s area that had a stage for performances and then a row of easels with supplies for kids to create paintings to take home. There were some amazing dance performances while we were in that location before moving on to a place for children to buy (at little cost) small art pieces donated by exhibitors. No parents were allowed in to influence the children’s choices. Many will later remember this as their first purchase of art as a child.
As always, the following weekend, the South Miami Rotary Club held asmaller, but equally fun, art festival on Sunset Drive with some of the same artists from the Grove, entertainment, and lots more great ancillary experiences for all. Kudos to Rotarians whose efforts pull this off every year.
On the topic of service club events, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club held another great event, a Centennial Fashion Show and Brunch, celebrating their 100th anniversary to benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic.
Event co-chairs, Rita Tennyson and Iris Segui, thought of everything, making this a memorable affair for the more than 100 guests attending. Rita’s R Catering set the stage for an afternoon of fun with everything from a photo booth that made everyone look like they were on the front cover of a magazine to their delicious food.
The fashion show was icing on the cake featuring clothes from fashion designer Nathalie Moya’s Spring Collection as well as resort wear from Bloom Boutique and jewelry from club member Leticia Matheus’ company, Lelê Reis Luxury Crystal Jewelry. During the affair local artist Irina Pushkareva worked on a painting and one of her pieces was auctioned for several hundred dollars.
CGWC fundraising chair Rita Tennyson had a very busy week as she also was involved in the South Beach Food and Wine Festival days after the fashion show event. Last year, Rita won best burger at the festival’s Burger Bash. Influencer events leading up to the weekend festival featured food from Chef Chris Valdes, R Catering and products from Florida Dairy Farmers like Sutton’s ice cream, great cheeses and even a milkshake made with banana moonshine and fresh whip cream. It comes highly recommended.
Finally, South Florida’s General Federation of Women’s Club Florida District 11 had an Arts & Crafts Competition and luncheon at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club with most all the 12 clubs represented to share their art and brag about their many charitable outreach efforts.
The meeting also served to announce the District 11’s Volunteer of the Year, Irene Munroe from the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club. She will represent District 11 at the state convention where she will vie for the state award against other district award winners. Congratulations, Irene!
Until next time, share your talents and make a difference.
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