Fountain of Youth

Friends – and even some acquaintances – of our own City Park gathered for an elegant evening to celebrate the restoration of the park’s Popp Fountain on Friday, March 20. The annual Lark in the Park gala took place at the lovely Pavilion of the Two Sisters, where food, drinks and entertainment were available to all. The Orleans Original Jazz Ensemble provided music for the patron party, held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the gala that lasted well into the wee hours. Burgundy was the featured entertainment at the main event, which also saw two incredible auctions. The silent auction offered more than 100 goodies for patrons, including everything from sundresses to spa packages, house wares to jewelry, and a smattering of dining options up for bids. Beginning at 10 p.m., the live auction upped the ante even further with luxe winnings like an oriental rug, a resort week in Alpine Bay, Ala. and art by Martin Welch and George Dunbar. Dining options for the night included City Park Catering, Antoine’s, Andrea’s Restaurant, Ralph’s on the Park, Canseco’s Esplanade Market, The Columns Hotel, Semolina’s Bistro Italia, Mandina’s and Chops Bistro. The event committee awarded special thanks to WWL Radio, Lucille McDonell, Lori Monahan Borden Graphic Design, River Parish Disposal, Heidi, Kiel and Jordina Junius and Coca-Cola. All proceeds from the evening benefit the restoration of this fountain, a local icon since its unveiling as a 1930s Works Progress Administration project.