VERO BEACH — One of the few major fundraisers over the summer, the annual Vero Beach Museum of Art costume party is regarded by many as the hottest ticket in town, and not just because it’s held in August. This year’s Beach Blanket Bingo theme encouraged surfer dudes and beach babes to don their best retro tropical attire for a fun-filled beach party – minus that pesky sand.
Talented artist Jackie Farrell worked her magic once again, designing a colorful Beach Shack entryway which she painted with help from Mary Lou Amy. Farrell has worked on the backdrops every year and seems to outdo herself each time.
“Isn’t it fabulous?” commented Lucinda Gedeon, VBMA Executive Director/CEO.
A huge longboard and beach umbrella were propped up against the tranquil beach scene she had painted on the entry’s reverse wall. Dermatologists Drs. Patrick Ottuso and Robert Loewinger laughed about the suitability of being photographed in front of a beach scene, as they lined up for a photo.
“Does anyone have a bottle of sunscreen?” asked Ottuso with a smile.
The hard working committee, led by event chair Susan Smith, kept the décor casual, relaxed and summery. Thatched tiki huts and surfboards decorated the rooms, and table centerpieces were simply colorful beach pails filed with salt-water taffy.
Beach towels and bathing suits were draped behind the Surf Shop, which included a huge assortment of silent auction items, including donated artwork, jewelry, gift baskets and certificates to local businesses and restaurants.
“It was fun!” said Susan Smith, when asked about her involvement. “The secret is to have a great committee; there was lots of good camaraderie. People just jumped in when needed. And the theme lent itself to creativity.”
It’s a sure bet that thousands of calories were burned off as dancers boogied with abandon throughout the night to the fabulous Shindigs. The 60’s retro-band entertained the crowd by playing everything from the Beach Boys and the Beatles to Led Zeppelin.
Things really heated up later in the evening as they were joined on-stage by a few partygoers. Trish Hickey-Reid, owner of Blondie’s on Ocean Drive hopped up to shake a mean tambourine. And “Dr. Bob” (Loewinger) was called up to perform his favorite karaoke routine – the Jerry Lee Lewis’ hit, Great Balls of Fire.
During the band breaks, Dorinda Walker of Circular Motion Hoops, encouraged guests to give her extensive array of hula-hoops a try. Although very few men took up the challenge, an impressive number of ladies had great success, including Cindy Goetz whose hip action made it look effortless.
Guests occasionally took a break from dancing to dine on caterer Adrienne Drew’s beachside buffet, and were amused by scenes from the Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello movie Beach Blanket Bingo which was projected onto the big screen.
If there had been a contest, a group of Museum docents would clearly have won the prize for best costumes. As they have done in the past, the ladies and what Sue Sharp laughed were “assorted men we picked up on the way,” had coordinated their outfits in fitting with the vintage theme.
Sharp, Pat Gabaldon, Alicia Quinn, Deborah Flynn, Toni Dering and Martha Phelps and their husbands had dressed in matching outfits, with the ladies also crowned with 60’s style wigs and glasses. They’d even brought along a bright orange inflatable lobster.
“We got the wigs and glasses at Bogg’s Costumes in Vero Beach; they were really great. Pat found the skirts and shirts at Buried Treasure in Sebastian,” said Sharp. “We have been coming for the past few years. It’s the best party in Vero in the summer.”
Funds raised at the event will help fund the Museum’s numerous educational programs. Additionally many of the decorations, including the centerpiece shovels & pails, sunglasses and children’s flip-flops were being donated to various local children’s non-profit organizations to heighten their summertime fun.
