Time Well Spent: Preview and reviews of mid-Missouri events

by Brent Beshore

February 22,2008

THE LATEST IN EVENT TRENDS

Bamboo's a Hit: The latest buzz in event décor seems to be bamboo. Coming in all shapes and sizes, it serves as an inexpensive, chic and versatile decorative addition that can also be sent home as a take-away gift; just pull and plant for years of event memories.

Lantern Lighting: Dropped from the ceiling, lanterns can add a burst of ambiance. These decorations are usually made from thin paper draped over metal frames and can be lit from the inside (with battery-powered lights—no candles, please) or can be spot-lighted for a more dramatic effect.

The Real Product Launch: Looking for an explosive new way for people to sample your product? Follow the lead of major sporting organizations and launch it. Air Cannons Inc. provides customized product cannons that can reach your audience even in the balcony. While probably not geared toward your average cocktail party, it certainly can add a kick to your next event.

REVIEWS

Columbia Home & Lifestyle Magazine Launch Party
Where: Manhattan Closet
When: Feb. 8
Why: To launch the latest issue
Cost: Free to invited guests
Details: Tiger catering presented a variety of enticing appetizers and drinks, featuring coffee tiramisu served on mirrors and spiced chicken in a pita shell. Lawyer/DJ Alex George provided the musical accompaniment, with a collection of light jazz. Discounts on fashion and magazines rounded out a well-done cocktail party.
Rating: 7/10—Great setting and a relaxed atmosphere provided a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day
Columbia Notables: Sharon Ginsburg, Veronica Kramer, Elaine Johnson, Chris Teeter

University Club's Wine Club
Where: Great Room at Reynolds Alumni Center/ University Club
When: First Thursday of the month
Why: Monthly exploration of the world's best wines
Cost: Small annual fee and the cost of the group's favorite bottle
Details: Each event is sort of a wine-lover's detective story. Glass in hand, you can mingle with wine lovers of all ages, while sampling and discussing each bottle's hidden contents to discover the evening's wine theme. Themes span regions and varietals, and samples always include a blend of white and red wines. After getting your fill wine, head over to the always-tasty appetizers, which blunt the wine's impact and help to bring out choice flavors. The evening always ends with an announcement of the night's theme and the group's selection for the favorite wine, which everyone gets to take home (later).
Rating: 8/10—Always a great time, with interesting people, intriguing wines and good food. More Info: www.uclub-mu.org

PREVIEWS

AKC All Breed Dog Show
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds
When: 8 a.m. March 8-9
Why: Benefit a variety of local animal-related organizations
Cost: $2; free for kids under 12
Details: The two-day event will showcase a variety of dog talents, including the specific contests of conformation, obedience and rally obedience. In addition to the competitions, the local American Kennel Club chapter hopes to provide educational information and support to dog lovers of all ages. With an average of 1400 entries from all over the country, this will surely be a doggone great event (couldn't help myself).
More Info: E-mail Raymond Ruetsch at ruetschray@ aol.com.
Anticipation Rating: 8/10—For dog lovers, this seems to be the perfect event

Bowl for Kids' Sake
Where: AMF Bowling Center
When: Feb. 29-March 2
Why: Benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
Cost: $300 to sponsor a team; call to join a team
Details: This three-day bowling marathon is the main fund-raiser for the organization and revolves around team bowling contests. From Friday night through Sunday morning, teams bowl, raising funds to help match role models with at-risk youth. With a newly redesigned facility and a smoke-free environment, this is will be three days of fun—for a great cause.
More Info: www.bigsofcentralmo.org
Anticipation Rating: 8/10—Competitive bowling for kids' future works for me

Popularity: 57% [?]