The city waits impatiently every year for the holiday light show at “Celebration in the Oaks” at City Park, and this year proved to be no different, with not one but two preview parties – one family-friendly and the other simply party-friendly. Chaired by Dessa Rutter Giffin, this year’s preview parties honored Angela Hill, Paul Soniat and Betty Bagert at the city’s premiere holiday light celebration. With 1,200 guests for the preview party and 1,800 for the family party, all funds raised were dedicated to the Botanical Gardens and capital improvements within the park.
Highlights included entertainment for adults by The Tip Tops and The Boogie Men, while DJ Nick turned the tables alongside face painters, balloon artists and elves on stilts on the 24th.
Food vendors included 40 of the city’s finest dining establishments, such as Ralph’s on the Park, Pascal’s Manale and more. Winn-Dixie provided a cupcake decorating station with over 1,000 cupcakes while restaurateurs competed in a brand new “Celebration Culinary Contest” with a variety of prizes including “Best Dish,” “Best Holiday Staff Uniform,” “Best Table Decoration” and more.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party” and “Family Preview Party,” benefiting New Orleans Botanical Gardens
When: November 22 and November 24, 2013
Where: Pavilion of the Two Sisters and the Botanical Gardens, City Park
