Folks were drawn to things outside the “scope of normal scientific understanding” as they gathered for Paranormal with a Twist at the Heritage Center, a hauntingly interesting evening with an infusion of history to benefit Vero Heritage, Inc., which manages the Heritage Center and its adjacent Citrus Museum.
Indian River Hauntings led attendees through paranormal investigations throughout the building, where questions were posed and objects emitted eerie energy, believed by some of those present to be communiqués from past residents, while paying homage to the area’s rich history.
After enjoying cocktails and bites on the patio provided by Wild Thyme Catering, those who dared paid a visit to the Secret Saloon, which could only be entered when the candles glowed a spectral green.
Ghostly cocktails with a twist ranged from Ghost in the Afternoon, an absinthe-based libation, to the citrus-infused Paranormal Punch and the After Glow, each living up to the gin joint vibe.
Inside, the barkeep served a “shaken, not stirred” Ectoplasm Martini – a concoction of vanilla vodka, crème de menthe and Godiva white chocolate liqueur, complete with a floating marshmallow ghost.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the inspiration behind the saloon, explained Heather Stapleton, Vero Heritage executive director.
“In the early 20th century, the Anti-Saloon League lobbied for prohibition. It became the most powerful prohibition lobby in America. There was even an active chapter in Vero Beach,” said Stapleton.
She said FDR ran on a ‘wet’ platform and, once elected, pushed through ratification of the 21st Amendment, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending prohibition. Several years later, FDR created the New Deal – a series of programs designed to create jobs.
“It was with that federal funding that the building we now call the Heritage Center was built in 1935,” shared Stapleton. Today Vero Heritage seeks to “preserve, educate and celebrate Vero heritage.”
On Nov. 25 the Heritage Center will host a citrus-themed Orange Friday.
“It’s our response to Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving, the museum will be open, we will have free citrus goodies, special deals and special items,” said Stapleton.
For more information, visit veroheritage.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
