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Pique Nique

The weather was perfect for the 31^st annual Pique Nique Sur la Baie Wednesday, April 2 

The signature event, which was held on New College of Florida’s bay front, brought in a record-breaking crowd this year, attracting 515 guests — all wearing beautiful spring attire and of course, fabulous hats, fascinators and embellished headbands.

The afternoon began with a champagne reception, where guests mingled with friends amidst the French florals and spring décor and bid on items in the silent auction, followed by a runway show by The Met.

SFF Opening Night Film & Party

Friday, April 4 was opening night for the 16^th annual Sarasota Film Festival. The night began with a red carpet reception, followed by the premier of the opening night film, Rory Kennedy’s "Last Days in Vietnam." Among those in attendance were the director and producer with her mother Ethel Kennedy, as well as former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and family.

Kennedy interacted with guests following the film with a Q&A session on stage at the Van Wezel and then guests continued to enjoy the opening night festivities downstairs and on the patio for the Opening Night Party. Michael’s On East served late night bites and drinks while guests mingled with friends and artists involved with the festival. 

Closing out the night was a wild fireworks show over Sarasota Bay.

Orchid Ball

Dressed in “feathered finery,” guests gathered Saturday, April 5 for the 33^rd annual Orchid Ball in the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 

Didgeridoo artists played music throughout cocktail hour, pulling in the event’s “Birds in Paradise” theme, which synced nicely with the look and feel of the new Rainforest Garden. 

Following the cocktail reception, guests made their way to the tent, which was decorated lusciously with tropical plants and trees and birds, for the dinner and live auction. Guests then danced the night away to the sounds of “A Private Affair.”