Story by Gillian Brunette/Photos by Jon Snelson and Gillian Brunette
The Huntsville Festival of the Arts May Marché, considered by many to be one of the events in Huntsville’s social calendar, surpassed all expectations this year.
Held May 23 at Deerhurst Resort, the Marché brought close to 600 people to the Waterhouse Ballroom, where, in a carnival-like atmosphere, they wined, dined and were entertained over a three-hour period. Tickets had been in hot demand for the annual fundraiser and the event was sold out weeks beforehand.
A silent auction raised more than $16,000, bringing the total amount raised to $41,000. “As this is our only fundraiser, the success of the Marché is critical to our success and, this year, we were not disappointed,” said festival general manager Rob Saunders. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is a not-for-profit organization that brings a year-round celebration of the arts to the Huntsville area. As well, it funds educational programs and scholarships for both elementary and secondary school arts students.
The carved ice polar bear martini station, at the entrance to the Waterhouse Ballroom, was a great hit!
Peaches (a.k.a. Robin Clipsham) couldn't resist the overtures of Ernie Pecore. She was one of several costumed characters to mingle among the patrons and provide entertainment.
Mae West (a.k.a. Leah Burton) invited Dan Willett to "come up and see me sometime."
Hugh Mackenzie (right) shared a joke with clowns Dan Watson and Christine Serra.
Town Crier Bruce Kruger announced Lady Ann Bell as the winner of the $5,200 Polar Ice diamond pendant near the evening's end.
Doug Sullivan, Nicole Tye (centre) and Samantha Woods shared some pillow talk at the conclusion of the silent auction.
Tamara Mattice (front) and Kate Austin were up the creek without paddles as the annual festivities drew to a close for another year.Editor's note: Rumor has it that the Huntsville Festival of the Arts annual May Marché ticket prices are expected to increase incrementally next year, and that the popular event will be even bigger and better than ever.
