“Lark in the Park 2018” proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Casino Building, a 105-year-old building that houses Morning Call and the event venue, Parkview Terrace. Annually, over 50 special events, from weddings to corporate meetings, are held in the Casino Building, along with it being the first stop in the park to more than 1,500 tour buses filled with visitors from all over the world!

Chairpersons this year included the Lupo Family: Robert E. Smith Lupo, Dr. Mary P. Lupo, R. Tom Lupo, Abby G. Lupo and Francesca Lupo.

The VIP Party took place in the Peristyle and was catered by Dickie Brennan & Co. family of restaurants. Entertainment was provided by Paul Soniat and special guests from Friends of City Park’s upcoming Historical Musical Train Tour.

The Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn featured lounge areas outfitted by Lovegood Wedding and Event Rentals, Distressed Rentals and Revival and West Elm. Savory delectables from more than 35 restaurants included Antoine’s, Ralph’s on the Park, Acme Oyster House, Rizzuto’s, Andy’s Bistro, Central City BBQ, Flamingo A-Go-Go and many more. Guests enjoyed etouffée nachos from the Diva Dawg food truck when leaving the party.

Republic National Distributing Company provided premium libations and three specialty cocktails, and Three B’s served up frosé.

Sweet Crude entertained guests until the programming portion of the evening. Auctioneers Friends of City Park Board President Leigh Morgan Thorpe and City Park Improvement Association Board President Steve Pettus got the crowd excited for the six one-of-a kind packages. After the Live Auction, AFX Pro, LLC put on a fireworks show that concluded with a performance from Casa Samba. DJ Ann Glaviano – HEATWAVE! then took the stage to spin vinyl records into the evening.

Raffles included a 2018 Bryan Subaru Forester generously donated by Bryan Subaru. It is $75 a chance with only 750 tickets to be sold, and the drawing is to take place on July 18, 2018. Pulled the evening of “Lark in the Park” was a hand-carved coral bracelet inlaid with diamonds in 18 karat gold, donated by Valobra Master Jewelers.