LOWER LAKE — New memories were made and old ones renewed Saturday when the Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee (HSPC) hosted its 17th annual fashion festival in Weaver Auditorium.
This year”s fashion show theme was “A Moment in Time, Celebrating Lake County History 1861 to 2011.”
Lake County Museum Curator Linda Lake and her zany sidekick Derrick Harvey, who served as the model escort, kept the crowd entertained with their comical antics between fashion and raffle sets. Lake recognized the county”s celebration of 150 years and then invited guests on a stroll down memory lane.
“Does anyone remember the snow storm of 1948?” Lake asked. Several women recalled the day. One said the snow went to her knees and another said 10 inches fell.
The “Sweet Adelines” provided the crowd with musical entertainment singing in barbershop fashion selections such as “Baby Face,” “Over the Rainbow” and other songs about love, coffee and music.
Shannon Gunier served as mistress of ceremonies offering details of the outfits paraded by the models while Marybeth Alteneder played soft music on the piano. Fashions by Lisa”s Sizes 3-60 were modeled by Suzy Rudofker, Carol Hewlett, boutique owner Lisa McDonald; April Fenk, Teddy Duke and Judy Mullens. Carl? High School student Nia Edmonds joined the final set modeling a beautiful dress suitable for a prom or other special event.
Apparel ranged from pajamas and Disney? prints to casual summer dresses and beach wear. Attendees had the opportunity to touch and feel the fabrics as models paraded their outfits through the sea of seated guests. The event featured a hat contest. Most Historical recognition was given to Nancy Dingler, of Clearlake whose entire outfit reflected the era between 1860 to 1880. Most Beautiful bonnet awards went to Pat Conway, whose headpiece was adorned with bright flowers and playful butterflies. Most Original honors went to Hedy Denham, of Clearlake, whose grandchildren helped craft her unusual visor.
Lunch was catered by Chic Le Chef. Celebrity servers included Jim Comstock, Ted Comito, Ned Munger and Tom McFarling. Carl? students also assisted with the event.
McFarling, preservation society president, said the organization is preparing for its “Treasures and Trash” sale, to be held May 7. Donations are currently being accepted during regular museum hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. “Please keep that in mind as you”re doing your spring cleaning,” he said.
McFarling said the museum”s bat problem has been resolved. “We have a lot of homeless bats but we have a bat-free museum,” he said. McFarling said this year”s focus for the committee is the installation of a fire alarm system. He said next year they will work toward construction of a downstairs porch.
The public is invited to the committee”s annual meeting to be held 1 p.m. July 9. The Lower Lake Historical School Museum is located on Main Street in Lower Lake. For volunteer information visit the museum during regular business hours.
