It’s official – Vero’s busy social season is in its final days. And to mark the occasion, more than 1,200 ticketholders relished the opportunity to spend a delightful afternoon with family and friends at the 26th annual Season Finale May Pops at Windsor, presented by the Helen and Dick Post Family, to benefit the Indian River Medical Center Foundation.
More than half were VIPs, enjoying front-of-the house seats at the northern end of the vast polo field, where cabanas dotted the lawn in rows of military precision. Each of the elegant sponsor tables were set with sumptuous floral centerpieces designed by Fé Domenech.
Quail Valley Executive Chef Joe Faria and his talented team provided yet another elegant buffet, enjoyed prior to the concert, offering such goodies as artisan open-face sandwiches, carved to order strip loin, salads, soups and flatbreads, and a sumptuous selection of desserts. Free ice cream was again provided for all, even general admission ticket-holders, compliments of Windsor Properties.
In keeping with last year’s bow tie theme to honor the late Dick Post, who was celebrated as much for his stylish bow ties as his friendship and philanthropy, Faria’s staff members wore bow ties on their caps, and he had again carved a special bow tie ice sculpture.
To the south, on the other side of low white picket fence, concert-goers spread out on the lawn, bringing picnic baskets, coolers, lawn chairs and plenty of activities to keep the youngsters entertained.
We have three dozen at least, scattered about,” said Dee Reiser, of the Bent Pine group she was with. “It’s our traditional season ending, year after year. This is the way it winds down.”
“Every year when I come, I look at the tents with the flags on top and I think it looks a lot like Camelot,” said Judy Balph with a smile.
Another diverse collection of young families brought a corn-hole game to keep their little ones busy.
“Every year it gets bigger and bigger for us. We started coming eight years ago, when our daughter was an infant, and now there’s about 25 people with children” said Kirsten Kennedy, noting the youngest was 3-week-old Kiki Delavaut, daughter of Whitney and Christophe Delavaut. “This is my favorite event of the season. It’s just such a lovely day,” she added.
The wonderful Brevard Symphony Orchestra, which celebrated its 61st anniversary this year, returned to the stage led by principal conductor and music director Maestro Christopher Confessore.
In classic Pops fashion, the BSO delighted the crowd with beloved tunes from stage and screen. The orchestra was joined by Broadway stars Stephen Buntrock and Melissa Errico, who shared the story behind the sexy red fringed disco dress she wore after intermission.
Commenting on the power of social media, Errico had posted on Facebook that she would be singing “They’re Playing Our Song” and wondered if anyone had a dress like that worn by Lucie Arnaz, who debuted in the 1979 musical. Arnez herself saw the post and answered in the affirmative, lending Errico the dress for the occasion. It fit perfectly – as befitting another perfect Pops.
