Dreams of sugarplums were dancing in heads, no doubt, when the “Sugarplum Ball” returned this year with the theme of “Candyland.” The party was held March 16 at City Park’s Pavilion of Two Sisters, itself transformed into a Willa Wonka-like paradise by oversized lollipops, a giant Hershey kiss and flavorful balloons placed throughout and into frothy ice cream cones. And though there weren’t any of Wonka’s Oompa Loompas traipsing about, some committee members dressed up as candy, in keeping with the whimsy of the occasion. There were confections on hand courtesy of the Bank Cafe, Bayona, Cochon, Lucy’s and Maurice French Pastries, to name a few. ABC26/CW38 and its vice president and general manager Larry Delia were honored for their ongoing support of Children’s Hospital. Sha’on and the Girls with Success’ sweet sounds, and the silent auction’s assortment of goodies topped off this festive fête, which raised money for Children’s Hospital’s LaNasa-Greco Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (with a few of the auction items benefiting City Park).

Event co-chairs Marilee Hovet and Michele Romano