The Lexingtonienne

June14th

6 Comments

Do you like PBS? I sure do. Not only am I the world’s biggest Mister Rogers fan, but also, my mama has worked at Kentucky Educational Television, Kentucky’s PBS network, for 25 years. Twenty-two years ago, she was one of the founders of Summer Celebration, a fantastic party KET throws every June to help raise funds for its programming. Mama says there were about 150 people at that very first party. This year there were 1200 revelers in attendance, and the party spun around a very festive Renaissance theme. Best Wench Friend Jenny was my date, so we grabbed our lutes, cranked up the madrigals, and got our House of Tudor on.

The party was hosted at Donamire Farm, one of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass. Here’s what we were forced to look at on the drive into the party.

I know, it’s hideous. I don’t know how we managed to stare at it with our jaws hanging open for so long.

This guy greeted us as we entered the tent. I made Best Friend hop over and take a photo with him. I didn’t tell her to pose with her hand on his sword, but I like her style.

Outside the tent, there was jousting.

Things were buzzing inside the party tent too.

At the buffet table (you know where to find me), I ran into my friends Linda Breathitt and Jim Gray. Jim is running for Mayor of Lexington, and if you are a Lexingtonian (or a Lexingtonienne), you should vote for him this fall. Hey, Linda and Jim!

I also ran into The Lexingtonienne readers Meg (hey, Meg!), Kelly (hey, Kelly!) and Cheryl (hey, Cheryl!) I didn’t get their photos, but I did get photos of build-your-own cheesecake, obvi. Props to Best Friend for her excellent chocolate drizzle work. She used to work in a bakery, you know. If you’re nice, I bet she’ll give us her recipe for her banana chocolate chip muffins.

The most exciting part of Summer Celebration is the Silent Auction. Hubba Bubba donated an item that sold immediately (if you want something so bad that the back-and-forth of the auction will give you a coronary, there’s a “buy it now” option, but you have to pony up).

Uncle Josh will be going to dinner with the lucky winner of this auction item. He’ll probably cook the person an organic gourmet meal — hahahahaha! Ohhhhh, just kidding.

I really wanted this painting by a local artist whose name I failed to get, probably because it was already out of my price range on my very first go around the auction circle. If someone happens to know who painted it, please leave a comment and let us all know!

Have you seen Miss KET herself (a.k.a. my mama) yet? Here she is at the party with her friend Hilma. (Mom’s on the right, flashing the smile that says, “I have a cabinet full of Smarties, Hot Tamales, and Reese Cups at my house!”)

As you can see, not only does KET know how to put fabulous educational programming on the air, but they can also throw one rockin’ party. I’m not sure how much this year’s Summer Celebration raised in total… if anyone knows (ahem… Mama?) please let us know in the Comments.

And one last thing… I am thinking about my Seester today. It’s her first day back to work from maternity leave. Wish her lots of luck! Here she is with Cooper last Friday.

Talk to you soon,
Hannah

6 Comments

  • Comment by Shae — June 14, 2010 @ 10:22 am

    The party will be on Friday, June 10th next year… everyone come! Thank you Hannah! xxo

  • Comment by Caragh — June 14, 2010 @ 10:46 am

    Your mom shared your blog…the artist of the horse painting is Jeaneen Barnhart. The donor of the painting was ARTXP.com…I believe you can find replicas of the painting there – in different sizes too.

    Thank you for your help with items again this year!

  • Comment by Hannah — June 14, 2010 @ 10:55 am

    Thanks, Caragh!!

  • Comment by HaleyD — June 14, 2010 @ 4:34 pm

    there is a picture of Kelly – far left of the party tent pic.

  • Comment by jim gray — June 14, 2010 @ 7:37 pm

    Yeeehaw…thanks for the shoutout!

  • Comment by rebecca — June 15, 2010 @ 6:01 am

    LOVE LOVE that picture of Hay & Coop!

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