2014 Club Twenty – One

If one were to believe AAA, more than 36 million people will take to the roads this Memorial Day weekend. I was one of them. I traveled less than 15 miles to the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center for Club Twenty – One annual black-tie event. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, I and many others welcome the sunshine, warmth and longer days of sunlight. Not to forget the reason for this federal holiday, remembering those who have died in military service defending our freedom.  The main focus for many can be to celebrate one another with an annual barbecue or get-together.  I always say why do we need special days and times to remember special people.  But apparently we do, holiday’s and special times are perfect to slow down the busyness of life and focus on those times and situations that are important and should not be overlooked. I shared with you last year, the history of Club 21, the social club that my husband is a member for the last 20 years. This year’s celebration marked the 68th annual dinner dance, great legacy and social event in the Harrisburg African American community.  I love that the dinner dance is always the Saturday before Memorial Day so one can take the time to remember those who have died that served in the military on the official holiday, Monday.

The dinner dance is always festive and enchanting occasion to mingle with friends and see people you may not have seen over the last year.  I love seeing what everyone is wearing during the reception hour and seeing how one can transform themselves into Cinderella’s with beautiful short cocktail dresses, gorgeous gowns in every conceivable colors, up dos, chignons and french braids, and I can’t overlook the men; tuxedos and white dinner jackets as well as dark suits, looking very dapper. The all men Club 21 group appoint a dinner dance chair every year.  I love seeing how the gala chair and their committee pay close attention to every detail as they plan the annual event; formal handwritten invitations arrive one month before date of event, fresh flower arrangements on all twenty-one tables, the number “21” spotlighted on the wall, entertainment, menu selections, onsite photographer available all night to capture everyone’s in their finery.

All of our Club 21 guests were from out-of-town this year, my husband and I usually continue our annual gathering with brunch the next day, this year we choose the Sheraton Hotel for a breakfast buffet instead of our home.

Each year we have special friends that we invite to enjoy the annual dinner dance, this year my soon to be Home DIY blogger lovely niece attended with her hubby.

In attendance as well, my very good friend, colleague, Etsy business owner, prayer partner, fellow blogger friend and her husband attended, it’s wonderful when one can feast, celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends. We also hosted our wonderful long-time friends from Maryland.

I hope you have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who have died to ensure freedom for us in the United States as well as relax with your family and friends this Memorial Day weekend.