Despite a stormy start to the day that threatened to put a damper on the scheduled reopening of Thalatta Estate on Sunday, Sept. 15, the weather cleared in time for the event’s 4 p.m. start. It is estimated that between 750 and 800 people attended.
Parks and Recreation director Fanny Carmona- Gonzalez was pleased with the turnout and the response of those who came to see the park reopen, as well as the “Bridal Expo.”
“I think the event was a huge success,” Carmona-Gonzalez said. “Just listening to the buzz as I walked around, there were people saying ‘I love this place.’ I heard future brides telling what I assume was a party planner or a parent who’s helping them put together an event, ‘I want this place; we need to book this place.’ It was very rewarding to hear that after all that hard work.”
The event ran from 4 to 9 p.m. According to planners, the idea was to have it go into the twilight hours so they could show off how the facility looks at night.
The outdoor areas had music for the attendees, while videos about Thalatta played inside the house, which also had a harpist and a violinist. Food vendors, photographers, deejays, florists, bartenders and others were on hand to provide information to prospective bridal planners. There also was something new in the way of wedding souvenirs demonstrated.
“There’s a new trend now at weddings,” Carmona-Gonzalez said. “They have a photo booth and they have props outside where you can dress up and put hats and glasses on and then they print the photos out for them on the spot.” Carmona-Gonzalez said that besides the park being open again for normal hours, there will be seminars and educational sessions going on throughout the year which will be posted on the village’s website. The history of the estate also is featured.
“We have a museum that we’re adding more pieces to,” Carmona-Gonzalez said. “Right now we have photographs of the house dating back to the 1920s and ’30s. I want to thank my staff for their hard work and dedication in getting that place back up to speed. We truly performed miracles three days prior to the event, working very long hours to get it ready.”
Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, who attended the event, was pleased with how it turned out and had praise for all those involved.
“Thalatta Estate looked beautiful on Sunday,” Mayor Stanczyk said. “The parks director, Fanny Carmona, her staff and especially our Capital Projects director Ed Silva have done a fabulous job of renovating and improving this gem of Old Cutler Road. The day did start with the storm clouds overhead but by the time the grand opening event started, they provided a welcome shield from the sun.
“The park looked really amazing dressed for a special event by all the vendors who donated the festive accessories and tastes of their event fare to complete the day. Thalatta has evolved into a beautiful park that also provides a location for very special events. The village staff has done a great job in bringing the vision for Thalatta to fruition.”
For information or to check the event schedule, visit online at <www.thalattaestate.com/>.
