This year’s “Lark in the Park” smashed it out of the park, or at least out of the Botanical Gardens, on Friday, March 14. With a patron party and gala, more than 900 guests attended this year’s lavish event to support City Park, put on annually by the Friends of City Park since 1980 as conceptualized by Paul Soniat, Director of the Botanical Garden.
This year’s proceeds went to restoring the oldest ride in the Amusement Park, the carousel. Sometimes known as the “Flying Horses,” it dates back to 1906, though some of the pieces go all the way back to 1885. In honor of the carousel, the patron party featured a specialty cocktail called “The Flying Horses” crafted by the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Lounge.
Chaired by Joy Grace, the patron party also featured food from Tableau and entertainment by Anais St. John in the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. The gala took place in the New Orleans Botanical Garden and Rose Garden with savory delectables from more than 40 New Orleans establishments, such as Commander’s Palace, MoPho, Mr. John’s Steakhouse, Oceana Grill, Zea’s and more, as well as entertainment from Flow Tribe.
Guests had the opportunity at an exciting live auction to bid on items such as a New Orleans Saints replica helmet autographed by the majority of the 2013-’14 lineup including Brees, Graham and Sproles, a unique painting created at the event for the event by Frenchy, the “King of Oak Street,” and more. Raffle prizes included a 2014 Bryan Subaru Forester and Vespa from Terminix.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Lark in the Park,” benefiting the Friends of City Park
When: Friday, March 14
Where: New Orleans Botanical Garden
