The Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee presented its 15th annual Fashion Festival on Saturday, April 5. Guests at the afternoon social were entertained with a musical performance by the Lower Lake High School Chorus and models showcasing fashions from Lisa”s of Clearlake and Sylivie”s of Middletown.
Shannon Gunier enjoyed her 15th year as Mistress of Ceremonies of the event and was once again accompanied on piano by Ruby Smith. Gunier expressed her familiarity with the models as she introduced each one and described the outfit they were wearing. Fashions included light, spring-time apparel, swimsuits, casual wear and evening ensembles accessorized with jewelry and handbags available at the boutiques.
Models graced the stage, which was set in earth tones and spring flowers before a garden arbor back prop. Then they each made their way through the audience where guests had the opportunity to see the outfits close up and feel the material they were made from.
Models for Sylvie”s fashions included Judy Mullens, Joni Stoneberg and Vivian McFarling. Modeling styles from Lisa”s were Suzy Rudofker, Carol Hewlett, Robin Mancino and store owner Lisa McDonald. The fashion parade wrapped up with Carl? High School students Jah-Brela Parker and Kourtney McKissick showing off the hot prom dresses for the season from Lisa”s Sizes 3 to 60.
Festival guest Elaine Glimme received special attention during the chorus” performance. Chorus members Sean Milligan, Kevin Leonardi and Zane Benavidez directed all their attention on Glimme, circling her and singing into her eyes, taking her hand and giving her hugs as they took turns singing verses of the classic tune, “For the Longest Time.”
Eden Santos and Marie Copas rounded out the chorus and joined their gentlemen counterparts in the performance of “Break Away” and “Why We Sing.”
The ever-so-comical Bert Hutt took charge of the traditional hat parade. With a jester hat on his head, he danced groups of ladies in decorated bonnets past the judges. When the “jig” was up, Anita Gordon was awarded for the most beautiful hat; Ester Galli won for most original; and Suzanne Britz won the prize for most comical. Museum assistant Camisha McBroom held the winning raffle ticket for the $100 money hat.
Gordon”s hat, which is always interesting to see, featured a stuffed lobster atop her head. Galli”s hat was a creation of mesh and lights and there was a cat on Britz” hat!
The event was supported by Carl? High School servers Travis Conine, Dre”Shon Hunter, Marquice Lamar and Jenna Ortega. Celebrity servers included Hutt, Chuck Doty, Tom Malley, Bob Silvestre, Marc Giberson, Bill Meyer, Tom McFarling and Doug Carter.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
