Enjoy night of wonder, mad fun with Amarillo Botanical Gardens' annual Mad Hatters Ball
Amarillo Botanical Gardens invites the community to a night of mad fun at its 11th annual Mad Hatters Ball, to be held Friday, March 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the gardens located at 1400 Streit Dr.
The evening will include a gala and silent auction, including the auctioning of jewelry from Graham Brothers Jewelers, gift baskets from Proffer Aesthetic Center, and other items from Silverland, Amarillo Athletic Club and more.
During the event, 806 DJ's will provide live music as attendees enjoy the dance floor, an open bar sponsored by Reed Beverage, and this year's new addition of gaming tables including a blackjack and craps table. Previous to the opening of festivities, a dinner will be provided, catered by Girasol.
Greg Lusk, Director of Gardens/Horticulturist at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, stated that this annual event was originally inspired by the tea party held by the Mad Hatter character in the well known "Alice in Wonderland" tale. Lusk said that the event has grown over the years and became well known for individuals wanting to dress up representing the theme and having a good time.
"When we first started this, very few dressed up, but now probably 80 percent of the people come dressed with the theme or even more," Lusk said. "You don't need to dress up to have fun at this party, but it is fun to see the creativity. We have had all characters, from the hookah worm, to the queen of hearts and of course the mad hatter, the Cheshire cat. .... Seeing everyone just dressed up and ready to have a good time is really what makes the event fun."
"The ball is just a good way to meet new people, have some fun and support the Botanical Gardens," he added.
According to Lusk, in past years, the event also held a contest, and attendees voted on the winners. However, it was decided not to host the contest this year, due to the sheer number of "amazing costumes" that Lusk feels each need recognition.
Lusk added that the funds raised from the Ball will go to benefit the Botanical Gardens, specifically in their educational programs to better educate area students of plants and their impact on the environment.
"It's hard to raise funds for a garden; there are so many worthy non-profits in the area. And this event is one thing we host to raise funds for our everyday needs and educational programs," Lusk said.
"We have an extensive education department where we allow schools to bus in for field trips that this will benefit, so we can continue to teach them about the gardens and how important the plant world is to the environment and their impact on it," Lusk added.
Tickets to the Mad Hatters Ball are $75 per person or $600 per table. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mad-hatter-ball-tickets-557948437797 or by calling the Gardens at (806) 352-6513.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Mad Hatters Ball at Amarillo Botanical Gardens offers night of wonder
