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Spectacular costumes keep the Krewe of Venus true to its New Orleans Mardi Gras origins. Saturday's coronation finery was exceptionally extravagant as 500 guests celebrated the club's 40th anniversary at the India Cultural Center.
The party by Venus, the second oldest krewe after Ye Mystic Krewe, kicked off the Gasparilla party season.
Queen Venus Kristen Barrie led the royal procession wearing an enormous collar encrusted with Swarovski rhinestones and pearls. It spanned 7 feet and weighed 40 pounds. Her velvet gown, appliqued with more gems, weighed 10 pounds. A royal mantle added 10 more pounds. On her head was the 5-pound crown she designed.
The queen is the daughter of longtime krewe members Drs. Jim and Kathy Barrie. Her siblings, Jamie and Jimbo (James IV), represented sea horses in the new court. Queen Kristen has served in six courts, more than any other queen. A University of Florida graduate, she has a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan. She volunteers at the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic while awaiting acceptance to medical school.
King Venus Phil Henderson of Dunedin loved the nautical theme. He should, given he owns Bay Ride, Clearwater Ferry Service, Caladesi Island Adventure and Weddings on Water. A former pilot in the U.S. Air Force, he is chairman-elect of Morton Plant/Mease Hospital Foundation. His wife, Janet, is a former Dunedin city commissioner. Their kids, Brooks, Jillian, Jessica and Erik Nelson, and his wife, Samantha, represented dolphins, fish and mermaids in the court.
Catering by Roberts delivered the surf and turf dinner. Duchess of Cochran Jackie St. John chaired the ball with two former queens, Natasha Sherwood and Alison Alexander.
CIRCUS SUCCESS: The adults clowned around as much as the kids at Night at the Circus, a patrons party hosted by the Tampa General Hospital Foundation on Jan. 6 at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey began partnering with the hospital 14 years ago, said McIver Berner. This year, the event raised $197,000 for the Pediatric Emergency Care Center. TGH distributed more than 7,000 circus tickets among sponsors who donated at least $500.
"Last year, we had 10 sponsors at the $2,500 level. This year, there were 21," Berner said. Sponsors donate their tickets to families who otherwise might never get to see the circus. Some sponsors sell the seats to employees for $5 or $10.
For two hours before the circus, 375 patrons ate pizza, chicken fingers, popcorn and cotton candy. Circus performers stopped by briefly to entertain guests, who included the Yerrid family, Steve, Sharon, Gable and Mason; Ron Campbell of the Lightning Foundation; and hospital chief executive officer Ron Hytoff and his bride , Eleni Arnaoutakis, who married Dec. 26.
TUXEDOES TABOO: Denim & Diamonds meant you could dress up in blue jeans for Ye Loyal Krewe of Grace O'Malley's gala Jan. 7 at the Egypt Temple Activities Center. Besides dinner and dancing to the Johnny G. Lyons Band, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Aleta Goodson Community Service Award to artist Roberta Schofield. She then donated proceeds from the krewe's fundraisers, $4,300, to a high school internship program at the spinal cord injury clinic at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center. Schofield volunteers at the VA hospital, as well as for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Creative TampaBay and Las Damas de Arte.
One of the krewe founders, Schofield was president - the O'Malley - when the club created the award in 1997 in memory of member Aleta Goodson.
TANGO AND ROSES: For the sixth year, Gene and Patsy McNichols sponsored the Florida Orchestra's New Year's Eve gala at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel. Chef John Pivar prepared hors d'oeuvres on the mezzanine for nearly 300 guests at Ultimate Tango. The dining room sparkled with gold table cloths topped with lush red roses and gold candle centerpieces surrounded by a sexy feather wreath.
A pair of professional tango dancers warmed up the crowd. Conducto r Stefan Sanderling began the program with humorous anecdotes about the tango. Then associate conductor Susan Haig took the baton for lively dance music. At midnight, folks filled the verandah to see fireworks over the bay and returned in high gear to dance to Southtown Fever till 2 a.m.
The gala raised $75,000 for the orchestra.
To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, reach her at 226-3332 or scherzer@sptimes.com
DATEBOOKWEDNESDAY: Jazzmatazz, An Evening of Duke Ellington; 7:30 p.m.; Hyatt Regency Tampa; benefits the Florida Orchestra; featuring vocalist Rose Bilal; cash bar; $35 VIVO members, $45 nonmembers; 503-2341.
JAN. 21: Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago 33rd Royal Coronation Ball; 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Convention Center; invitation only.
JAN. 22: Einstein on Wine, 10th annual food and wine sampling, benefits the Museum of Science and Industry; 6-9 p.m.; $60 in advance, $50 for members and $70 day of event; 987-6300.
JAN. 30: Ebony Fashion Fair benefits Tampa-Hillsborough Urban League; 5 p.m.; Tampa Theatre; $30; 229-8117.