South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Bonnet House’s Holiday Magic Soiree launches 100th anniversary celebration.
With red “sold” tags affixed to the designer-decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces, a week of festivities wrapped up celebrating the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens turning 100. All told, $100,000 was raised to support the historic estate in Fort Lauderdale.
The official 100th-anniversary kick-off event took place Dec. 6 at the Holiday Magic Soiree with entertainment by electric violinist Jared Burnett and electric harpist Deanna Defrancesco, holiday music and festive décor, food by A Alexander Event Catering and a full bar.
VIPs got the chance to check out the trees, wreaths and centerpieces early during a catered Champagne reception. They also received a 100th-anniversary commemorative ornament.
“Our delightful and renowned holiday events provide the perfect way to begin our 100-year anniversary at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens,” Patrick Shavloske, CEO of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, said in a statement. “From the beautiful holiday décor, to fun-filled events, to topnotch entertainment, this kickoff to our centennial celebration is certain to be both exciting and memorable.”
Over the next four evenings, Bonnet House visitors took part in the Holiday Magic Evening Experience with selfguided tours, appearances by Santa Claus and his elves, Christmas storytelling and strolling carolers. There were different performances each night from the Pride Jazz Ensemble, Broward Center Spotlights, Dillard Jazz Trio, Yuletide Carolers and Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
The Bonnet House’s 100th Anniversary Campaign launched Nov. 12 with donors who give $1,000 receiving two tickets to the April 25 Centennial Soiree presented by The Haller Foundation.
Concerts Under the Stars presented by The Haller Foundation and the International Orchid & Garden Festival will continue the celebration this season.
The 35-acre subtropical estate is known as one of the oldest homes in South Florida and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bonnet House, Inc. is a nonprofit with a mission to preserve the estate of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett.
Bonnet House is at 900 N. Birch Road in Fort Lauderdale. Tours are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
Visit BonnetHouse.org.