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It is to be a lavishly-ribboned gift, gaily packaged in the always radiant wrappings of the seventh annual Holly Ball which the Sierra Vista Symphony Association is to parcel out Nov. 17. With festive dancing and tasty feasting, merry entertainment and zesty wines, the Holly Ball is the anxiously-awaited prelude to the region’s holiday celebrations.
To be feted as the inaugural event in the newly refurbished grand ballroom of the $2 million redecorated Windermere Hotel, the evening is designed as a sparkling black-tie (optional) rendevous of old friends and new acquaintances not to be forgotten.
Greeting the guests will be the tinseled rainbow of flickering and glimmering decorations placed by Helen Manring and her clever and crafty crew.
“Since the first gala, the Holly Ball has grown over the years to be the major holiday formal event,” comments SVSA President Ronald A. McCreery. “Every year, the ‘differentness’ from the previous years has surprised us and gratified our efforts on behalf of the symphony.”
 Courtesy of Sierra Vista Symphony Association The table settings for this year’s annual Holly Ball will be lavish and festive. The ball will be held on Nov. 17 in the newly-refurbished grand ballroom of the redecorated Windemere Hotel. |
Among the shimmering ribbons of the 2007 edition is the brilliant playing of violinist David Kaemmer, music director of the Cochise County Youth Orchestra.
“Kaemmer will be strolling through the hallway during the cocktail hour and silent auction,” advises Dan Howdeshell, the SVSO’s general manager, performing memorable waltzes and other fitting tunes.
The pre-dinner social hour, beginning at 5 p.m., includes a cash bar.
Another glistening streamer is attached to the magnificent silent auction that always commands oohs and aahs as guests do a bit of holiday gift-buying to aid the symphony’s budget and satisfy the eager recipients of such gleaming presents. McCreery says the Silent Auction “has a host of offerings from art to jewelry to cases of fine wines to a variety of collectibles.” Assorted canapés are served as guests examine the colorful array of the silent auction’s yuletide trove.
Small treasure boxes are available for purchase again this year. Purchasers wear the beribboned tokens around their necks like royally bestowed accolades until the time for the winner is announced.
“Our grand prize,” informs McCreery, “is a particularly attractive U.S. Mint $50 gold Buffalo coin.”
He adds that the 24 karat gold coin is worth approximately $800 at current gold prices.
Chef Ben Montaño has attached a major bow to the evening’s menu, states Midge Grieshop. “The menu reflects the holiday season and is something out of the ordinary. It will appeal to the palate,” she said. “A roasted red pepper soup garnished with a créme fraiche swirl is the first course. The salad is Belgian endive, radicchio and Mesclun with Green Goddess dressing. A butterscotch chocolate mousse provides the right seasonal dessert to the bountiful feast.
“The five-course meal includes three entrée selections: first is delectable tournedos of beef, flambéed, with Bordelaise sauce, roasted shallots and mushrooms served with fresh asparagus and Dauphinois potatoes. The second choice is a mouth-watering spinach and Ricotta stuffed chicken breast with a saffron cream sauce served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. The vegetarian opportunity is a enticing eggplant rollatini served with pasta primavera.” Selections are made on the registration card.
During the feast, highly-acclaimed marimba soloist Darren Bastien is to provide brief ribbons of dazzling music, Although the dinner performance is more limited than in past galas, Bastien’s gifts will keep eyes and ears attuned to his repertoire.
He is currently studying for a doctorate of musical arts with performance emphasis at the University of Arizona. His master of music degree was earned from the University of North Texas.
Principal percussionist with the Arizona Symphony Orchestra, the artist is the 2002 winner of the Brigham Young University Concerto Competition.
Additional colorful ribbons are added by a cheery welcome from SVSA President McCreery, and a stirring invocation provided by Fort Huachuca Garrison Chaplain, Col. Douglas Kinder.
Another strand of shining sateen ribbon is affixed to Joe Anton’s very popular Desert Swing Band which will provide their own ribbons of popular dance music following dinner. Anton’s orchestra revives the redolent sounds of the Big Band Era.
Tickets are $90 each. Forms may be picked up at the Sierra Vista Symphony Association office, located in the Chamber of Commerce Building, 21 W. Wilcox Drive.
For information, call Mary James at 458-6940, Ext. 27.
Members of the Gala Holly Ball Planning Committee are: Peter Huisking, chair; Carolyn Boardman; Lloyd DuVall; Ann Gates; Midge Grieshop; Nancy Hessler; Jim Landwehr; Helen Manring, Ron McCreery and Sue Nagle.
