By Amaris Pollock, special correspondent to Philly Grub
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Walking up to a mansion is not something that occurs in my daily life, and certainly not a historical one in such an amazing condition. But that is just what happened as I attended the Glen Foerd Estate’s Fourth annual Deco on the Delaware event.
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Everywhere I turned there were people dressed to perfection in their best flapper outfits. Among those was Brian Craig who won ‘The Most Dapper Gentleman’, and Sarah Kruse who won ‘The Most Fashionable Flapper’ contest. The judges who chose the winners were Marietta Bieberfeld (Vintage Fashion Expert), Antonia DePace (Philadelphia Style), and Martin Murphy (Ransome & Gwynn).
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
While all the glitz and glamor could be seen on guests, inside the Glen Foerd Mansion were demonstrations on how to apply the makeup of that era (taught by Jessica Saint) and the proper do’s and don’ts of dining etiquette (taught by Michael Bufalino & Geoffery Webster).
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Outside there were even more activities happening: there was a demonstration on how to extract honey (shown by the Philadelphia Beekeeper’s Guild), vehicles to transport you back into a different the Jazz age, and once you felt fully immersed into the 1920’s—a short walk brought me to the dance floor where a local dance troop called the Fishtown Footers who captivated the audience through synchronized performances to the live music being played.
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Of course, the dancing wouldn’t be complete without having bands playing the aforementioned music; so as my eyes took in the energetic and vibrantly dressed dancers, I was beholden to the sounds surrounding me. Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, and Queen Esther and her Quartet all took turns bringing guests to their feet and danced to the swinging beat.
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
In between songs, guests could quench their thirst with one of the delicious drinks like the Deco Bramble (using Bluecoat American Gin), Kir Royal (using Lejay Cassis—Brut Cava), ViéVité Rosé wine, St. Benjamin Brewing Company beer, or alcohol-free options of water and iced tea (provided by Honest Tea). I tried the Deco Bramble, which was not too sweet with a citrus edge, and adorned with some raspberries—all which balanced well with the Bluecoat American Gin.
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
While taking a break, guests could meander the grounds that were attended by a plethora of picnic guests, or they could purchase items from vendors who offered up products to help dress in your best flapper attire.
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Afterward, if you wandered towards the wrap-around porch, you could engage in one of the most delectable contests. By placing a bean into a cup, guests elected the winner of ‘The Prettiest Pie’ for one of the Pie Making Contest categories. The other categories to win were Savory, Sweet, and the Most Original, which were decided on by judges Genevieve Tierney (Garces Catering) and Dorothy Sheridan (Glen Foerd Official).
[Photo: Amaris Pollock]
If you have not ever experienced an event as engaging as this one, Deco on the Delaware is definitely one that you can bring the whole family to. It was fun, lively, entertaining, and delicious. You can choose from several different picnic options, all of which will leave you with an entertaining and memorable day. So if you want to have a positive impact on our environment (which the event benefits the non-profit organization that preserves the historic Glen Foerd estate and its environmental programs), why not go to Deco on the Delaware next year? Or you can attend one of the many other events that Glen Foerd hosts, along with the option to walk the estate grounds from dusk to dawn.
For more information about Deco on the Delaware please click to www.decoonthedelaware.com and for more information on events and activities being held by the Glen Foerd on the Delaware organization, please visit http://www.glenfoerd.org/.
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