Tom Boyd and Sandi Burdick were among those celebrating the summer solstice at the Knoxville Botanical Garden.
It was the longest day of the year and the folks at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum were determined to make the most of it. So, appropriately, they set a major fundraiser, the Summer Solstice Dinner, on the precise date when Earth’s axis would be tilted most toward the sun (at least in the northern hemisphere).
It was such fun — and a sellout! Everyone was encouraged to wear white attire and the vibe was extremely casual. I guess we followed in the footsteps of our pagan ancestors who believed that evil spirits would appear on the day of the summer solstice. To ward them off, ancient people would wear garlands of flowers and herbs in their hair on that day. Similarly, flowers were liberally distributed to attendees at the Knoxville Botanical Garden event.
Adding to the convivial mood, dinner was served family style with big bowls of food passed around the tables. I think the chatter and the laughter were enough to scare away any evil spirits who managed to survive the flowers!
“The historic stone walls and beautiful summer blooms make Knoxville Botanical Garden the perfect place to celebrate the longest day of the year,” said Sharon Moore, the garden’s executive director. “I am grateful to every generous donor who joined the festivities. The proceeds from the Summer Solstice Dinner go directly to supporting the operations of the gardens, allowing us to be free and open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk.”
Botanical Garden board member Sheryl Ely passing hors d’oeuvres. Board members did all the serving!
From left, John and Linda Haynes, Elizabeth Offringa, and Sande MacMorran.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and her husband, Ben Barton a.k.a. “the First Dude!”
From left, Anne Kinggard, board member Marga McBride, Mary Morris, and Sylvia Peters, seated.
Board member Tom Catani was in charge of the signature cocktail, lavender blueberry Prosecco. (That’s lavender in his pocket!)
The lavender came from the gardens at his home, which he fondly calls, “Montecatini Gardens.” The blueberries were from Jernigan Family Farm.
Board member Nissa Dahlin-Brown was passing them around.
From left, Catani, board member Brandon Hardin, board president Matt Keaney, and board secretary Meryl Keegan. Talk about a working board!
From left, Sharon Moore, executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden, Garry Conklin, Sheryl Linck, and Alan Carmichael.
Board member Jennifer Reynolds offering nibbles.
Judith Foltz taking her up on her offer!
Former Knoxville Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe, center, with his wife, Joan, and Larry Bushkell.
Board member Victoria and Karl Thomas.
Susan French, left, with Larry and Jenny Bushkell.
The board’s past president Rick Fox, left, with Caraline and Aram Demirjian.
From left, Reinhold and Karen Mann, board member Julia and Gary Bentley.
Ralph Cianelli and board member Susan Kiss were working the bar.
Francie Elrod, right, with Rachel and Terry Ford.
Anita Hollmann-Matijcio and Steven Matijcio.
Music was by Rachel Schott and Family.
Moody Altamimi, left, with Jason and Carrie Hardy.
Board member Margie Nichols and John Gill.
From left, Jenny Kitts, Judith Foltz, and Judy Doyle.
Deanene Catani, right, with Carol and Joseph Pelliccia.
Angela Howard and Rick Stone.
Even Angela’s shoes were dressed for the occasion!
From left, Amy Styles, Lennie Robertson, and Jenny Hines.
From left, David Brace and his mother, Connie Brace, Becky Anderson, and Marie Alcorn.
From left, Kim Cunningham, Cathy Briscoe, and Jane Venable.
Angel Fields, left, and Anne Hewitt.
From left, Ben Barton, Mayor Indya Kincannon, Victor Ashe, Bryan and Adrienne Goldberg.
Thomas Noggle, left, and John Sarten.
From left, Ted Smith, Gay Lyons, and David Butler.
Inside the Dogwood Center, the tables were set with simple but elegant centerpieces.
From left, Susan Arbital, Jim and Kim Hays inside the event space.
Second Congressional District candidate Jane George and her husband, Jeff Spellerberg.
From left Johnnie Creel, Pandy Anderson, and Eve Thomas.
Alan Carmichael, left, and David Williamson.
Board members Meryl Keegan and Brandon Hardin.
We sat down to pretty pre-set salads and desserts.
Dinner time!
Entrees were a choice of fish . . .
Or chicken.
Alan is partial to asparagus!
And desserts, of course!
What a beautiful event!! Thanks for sharing!
It was a wonderful night!