by Julia Stapleton with Linda Seemar (Tony Edwards photos)
On the morning of September 23, Tropical Storm Ophelia swept through Albemarle Plantation resulting in the cancellation of the Car Show and the Craft Show/AP Clubs displays. The 17 booths/tents to feature original craft items, and the 10 AP club booths were too many to relocate to any available indoor location on short notice. Hence the crafters and club folks planning to meet and greet residents with their very creative displays were very disappointed. There was an option offered to put up booths on Thursday, September 23, at the Farmers’ Market and three crafters did so.
But the Fall Festival Evening Celebration was saved. With hard work by the AP staff and the Social Committee, they managed to move their entire event, originally planned for under the tent, to the three rooms of the Clubhouse. This was no easy feat. The Social Committee, lead by Linda Seemar, Kate Applemann, and Karen Beck, worked diligently with AP staff that included Brett and his crew to make it happen.
Here’s the story behind the scenes. Before the storm made landfall, they optimistically put up the tent and sides along with all the tables and chairs on Wednesday. When weather reports stated that the storm was definitely a reality, they knew they needed to switch gears and so arranged to move everything to the Clubhouse. Then all the fabulous decorations and extra tables and chairs needed to be relocated to the Clubhouse and tent and all items outside needed to be moved before the storm hit.
A notice when out on NABR about the change in venue with an option for ticket-holders to takeout their dinner, if they preferred. Thirty dinners were picked up.
The good news is that 140 residents decided to attend and what a great time they had! The live music by Phun Doctors started at 6:30 pm and all enjoyed the band’s music, and festive evening – as the photos show. Dinner was delicious and the dancing was very lively. Congratulations to the AP Social Committee for a fabulous event!
NOTE FROM PHOTOGRAPHER, TONY EDWARDS: Not easy to get group shots as it was a packed house! Great turn-out despite Ophelia’s rude interruption!