One of the most exciting and fun parties of the year was held this past weekend, as the Eastern Shore Art Center (ESAC) and the Committee On Public Art (COPA) presented, “Puttin’ on the Gritz – Celebrating All Things Southern.”
Guests were encouraged to dress in their idea of what makes them “Southern” as they enjoyed delicious Gulf Coast shrimp and grits, pulled pork, a pimento cheese station, and as a nod to Elvis, a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich bar. The crowd was dressed in everything from formalwear to bluejeans.
Dark photo, but here I am with Elvis and my own darlin’ Southern Gentleman (Hehehe! He’s lived in the south now for over 40 years, although a few of those were in South Florida so they don’t count, but I think he’s just about nearing perfection). I opted for the cowgirl boots, pearls and denim to stand out from the sea of seersucker. You know how we hate to show up in the same outfit as another girl. It was either this or my hoop skirt, and I couldn’t ride my horse to the party in a hoop. How did Scarlett ever manage?
Our good natured Mayor, Tim Kant is speaking with popular local character and internationally acclaimed artist, Nall. Not sure what Nall’s wearing, but honestly, he’s been seen looking this way around town on a regular non-costumed day. You never know what you’ll find in Fairhope with all these artsy folks wandering loose.
Jack and Paul are as nice as they are handsome in their bow ties. Â Southern gents rockin’ the beginning of seersucker season.
Everyone was having so much fun and the party raised needed funds for our cherished local arts programs.
Did someone say sausage? The food was plentiful and delicious, and the band Fuego was a huge hit.
Touchdown! It wouldn’t be Southern without football fans!
The most beautiful hats were on display, and yes, we really do wear them from time to time around here. They are practical for keeping the sun off our delicate faces, or in my case, hiding frizzy-humidity hair!
An interesting auction added to the fun of the night with art, trips and other prizes up for grabs. You WILL NOT BELIEVE WHAT I WON!!!! (My Mother is not happy with my prize at all). More to come on this later . . .
Such an adorable and fresh idea for a fundraiser, and a great boost to the local arts.
Y’all just would have loved it!
*
Thanks to ESAC for a few of these photos.
Leslie Anne…Y’all certainly know how to have fun in Fairhope!! Great looking people, too. You look adorable in your outfit! Enjoy your week.
Thanks, sugar. The South said it misses you!
Leslie Anne…thank you for sharing the photos. I love those red boots of yours! The platter of sausage made me hungry…my mother was from Mississippi and every time she would go “home” she always brought back some of that famous sausage from the South!! Love that I have some southern roots…my father was from Arkansas. Even though I was raised in California I still feel like I could easily be a southerner! Not too many people out here know what Divinity (candy) is…My Granny used to make it for me when she visited us. I remember her beating it by hand!
Oh yes! Next year we need a table full of Divinity! And you are right. If you were raised by a Southern Mama, it doesn’t matter where you were raised, because you were raised right!
So fun Leslie Anne! I love those Roll Tide pants!! I know it was a ball!
It was truly one of the most fun parties I’ve ever been too. (Not including college).
Y’all are just having too much fun. Love that crazy moire-looking fabric! And of course you and The Mister with Elvis 🙂
I learned that seersucker doesn’t photograph well, so maybe that’s what you saw. The big group photo had enough seersucker to cover your Aunt Annie’s fanny!
The lovely lady in the GWTW costume and the other costumed supporters were part of the talented team from Theatre 98. Actors supporting the arts in Fairhope.
We need to have you come visit us!
I love Theatre 98 and I do need to visit! You were sold out of the last show I tried to see! I know Tod and Joyce who were at the party and they did a fabulous job.
What a blast! I love a man in seersucker…Y’all looked simply marvelous.
I’m telling you what . . . everyone looked very dapper!
What a fun party!
What fun – and for such a good cause!! I love that everyone got dressed up in their own way to celebrate the event! Well, with the one exception of the ‘Bama fans. As an ND fan, I’m still recovering from the thrashing we received in the championship game a few years ago…too soon….
I hear ya’ sista!