Less than two months ago, Cobourg Rotarians Micki McLean and Tracy Berry hatched a crazy scheme to raise money for Rotary by hosting a fashion show.
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, that Fashion Show came to fruition at Palisade Gardens in Cobourg.
With the help from Northumberland Players Costume House, and a full packed house at Palisade Gardens where McLean works as the General Manager with was a fun event with funds raised.
Lynne Templer, a long time volunteer with the Northumberland Players and someone who knows the Costume House like the back of her hand, agreed to join the team.
Templer thought doing a “Fashion through History” show would be fitting and fun since the Costume House has costumes dating back to the 1800’s right up to present day.
Fourteen models were gathered – mostly Rotarians or partners of Rotarians (and a few friends) – and dates were made for them to meet at the Costume House to try on outfits. Countless hours and no less than 50 different outfits later, the plan was quickly coming together.
The team decided to have hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine and a live band, plus two hours of an entertaining fashion show. They sold out their 70 ticket goal in no time and residents at Palisade Gardens were to fill the rest of the seats for a full house!
Guests were greeted by a dress form sporting a gown from the late 1800’s and in another corner was a multi level hat stand filled with a wide variety of hats to try on. The energy in the room was palpable as the band “Timeout” began to play and guests filled their glasses and plates in anticipation of the show.
Templer narrated the fashion show with expert and interesting bits of fashion history and how fashions morphed over the years depending on world events and changing times. The models were stunning in their outfits and really seemed to enjoy themselves as they walked the catwalk.
Guests had a wonderful afternoon filled with great friends, great food and great entertainment and money was raised to help support the good work that Rotary does in our community.
With Halloween just around the corner – The Northumberland Players Costume House is open for costume rentals to the general public.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
