Party Girl

Party Girl

by Jill Norman LeBlanc

There was no better place to be last Saturday than The Big Easel at River Ranch. The sunny weather was a perfect 68 degrees with a slight breeze and blue skies. A sort of outdoor art walk, The Big Easel kicked off along with the City Garden Market at 8 a.m., where artists joined vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods and crafts. Jamie Hulin provided music on bongo drums, and Philip Gould played accordion when Hulin took a break. Children donning their sunglasses and bonnets ran through the street, begging their parents for the hottest item at the market ' Squeaky Sneakers. A sure way to drive mom crazy and also ensure that her children don't wander off unattended, the sneakers have a squeaky disk at the bottom that can also thankfully be turned off. Artists ranged from Kyle Braniff to Adrian Fulton to April Blair Carlson, who spends winters in Lafayette and summers in Bay Harbor, Maine. The event lasted 'til 7 p.m. that evening, so visitors had plenty of time to also shop the ranch, lunch on the patio at Café Roma and end the day with a cool cocktail at the City Club. Party Girl heard from CC's new events coordinator Alyson Haymark that there was an Indian wedding going on all day in the ballroom, and I peeked in to check out the colorful saris before my Saturday night out on the town.

Another inspiring spring celebration was the Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic's annual meeting, with its theme of "Helping Hands, Generous Hearts." The event was fresh with plants and flowers, in addition to some special people. Nathan Thornton, who will end his term as chairman of the board in April, and Toos Noojien, a faithful volunteer, were both recognized, and Aileen Bennet was a most excellent Mistress of Ceremonies. "The event was lighthearted and fun," says LCHC's Special Event Coordinator Mary Jennings. Nathan even sang a little karaoke for the crowd!

Party On! ' PG