Reserve Your Place at SPAC’s Winter Ball: “Journey Under The Sea” With Discounted Admission Through Feb. 1 – and Don’t Forget Your Grand Raffle Ticket
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Theme.
During the summer months, while you enjoy a performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra or Cyndi Lauper, the SPAC Junior Committee starts thinking about the theme.
The theme for the next SPAC Winter Ball. This signature event will be presented on Saturday, March 3, at the Hall of Springs. While that’s over a month away – as you shall see (or “sea”), there are two very good reasons to pay attention to this today.
The 75 Junior Committee members, particularly the 35 Winter Ball Event Committee members, discuss, debate and test drive varying concepts of this or that – a youthful, creative process which in previous years has yielded unique themes such as Mad Men, The “Party of the Century,” and the Russian Whiteout. The task, according to SPAC Junior Committee President (she prefers the title “Team Leader” if you have to give her one) Samantha Kercull, “…is to come up with something that will have appeal to everyone. The event is geared to a younger audience, but by no means is it exclusive to them. We came up with the concept of a Winter Escape, and went from there.”
Event Co-chairs Amanda Troutman and Lauren Cognato elaborated, “We chose this year’s Winter Ball theme because we wanted something unique, that hadn’t been done before. It’s something everyone can enjoy regardless of age or gender. “Journey Under The Sea” will take you away from your ‘end of winter blues’ and into an underwater paradise full of ethereal beauty and mystical wonder. In addition to our fabulous food, decor and entertainment – there will be hidden treasure surprises throughout the night.”
The idea behind the ambiance you will encounter on March 3 is for you to feel ‘immersed’ without actually getting wet. Some of this promises to involve virtual reality elements (Snorkeling in Cozumel, anyone?) with fine points still being finalized. “Some aspects that people have been enjoying for years at SPAC’s Winter Ball are being carried over.” Samantha said. “We will have Heather Bohm-Tallman’s photo booth, Tarot Card readings by Mary Shimp, and we’re very thrilled to say that Funk Evolution will be back for the third year in a row.”
Also, the site being the Hall of Springs therefore means Mazzone Catering and Hospitality. It’s a big compliment to say: “Enough said.”
All good reasons to make your move and attend this event on March 3. But here’s a couple of good reasons to make plans for it today:
1) If you know you will be attending with a few hundred of your friends, why not take advantage of a discount? Tickets are now on sale at spac.org with a $10 discount. If you book your passage after February 1, the admission rises to $110/ per person.
2) Regardless of whether you are attending, think you are, or cannot – you can also buy one of only 350 (three hundred and fifty) $20 tickets for the Grand Raffle – where you can support the event (and therefore SPAC’s educational efforts), be a big winner of one of three really nice packages (see below) on March 3 – even if you aren’t in attendance. This drawing is sponsored by Saratoga Eagle, and the entities listed in these prize packages:
GRAND RAFFLE
Journey Under the Sea
Saturday March 3rd
DRAWING WILL BE HELD AT 9:30 pm
First Drawing
Lake Placid Getaway Sponsored by the Mirror Lake Inn
2 nights with breakfast at the Mirror Lake Inn
2 Whiteface Lift Tickets
Lake Placid Pub and Brewery Tour
Winter Weather Gear from Alpine Ski Shop
Second Drawing
Saratoga Casino Hotel Stay-cation and Wine Dinner for 2 at Morton’s Steakhouse
One night at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, no blackout dates
A tasting dinner for 2 at Morton’s Steakhouse with Wine Pairing
Third Drawing
West Mountain Passes
Season passes for 2 at West Mountain
Good through the end of 2018/19 season
It says here that each of these are well worth a $20 flyer, and about 1/2 of the 350 chances have already been sold. To get yours – either email Samantha (at skercull@gmail.com), or pop over and see her and members of the committee during Chowderfest on February 2 at Bailey’s Cafe’ from 11 am – 3 pm.
BTW – as you can see from the photos of previous Winter Balls – the attire is billed as ‘cocktail,’ yet it seems that quite a few go beyond that – either in the black tie or thematic sense.
Which doesn’t mean that you’ll see wetsuits, flippers or mermaid outfits on March 3… but it also doesn’t mean you won’t. This is a creative group, after all.
And so, you are hereby touted to dive in, and be part of a great event that promises to liquify even the thickest winter ice, save perhaps that in your cocktail glass.
Arthur Gonick
January 22, 2018
