What a party we had! The NCA's 100th Birthday Bash, which took place August 4-6 in Indianapolis, was full of laughter, memories, learning, and sharing. Fifty-five people attended the event, which started on Friday evening with a cocktail party and ended Saturday night with the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne.
Friday night's party was called "Harrelson's Hideout," and it featured a 1920s theme, complete with a secret password to get in, a bootlegging tableau, and slideshow packed with great historical photos. An amazing history exhibit created by outgoing president Pam Markel filled one part of the ballroom. A quiz about NCA history tested our knowledge, and jailed members tested our wallets! Finally, a silent auction raised nearly $1,200.
Saturday was filled with four classes -- including mask making, social media, expanding business beyond Halloween, and "hacks" from fellow members -- and time spent perusing the tables of our six sponsors: Ellie Shoes, Zagone Studios, Starline LA, Lords & Ladies (Sassy Royals), Rubies and Graftobian.
Late Saturday afternoon we held an NCA Business Meeting, at which Terry Sinopoli was elected president of the association; Calvin Coffman was elected Vendor Director; Anne Dorsey was elected director; and Marion Bradley was elected to an additional term as director.
Saturday night was the Bal Masque, a fantastic event that brought out the most glamorous possible costumes. Two Unsung Hero awards were given, to Amy Morris of Morris Costumes and Rachel Godelei-Johnson, the association's former historian. In addition, Marion Bradley and Pam Markel were given plaques for their service as president. A remarkable historical happening during the evening was the presentation of the Harrelson Award plaque that was originally presented to one of NCA's founding members, Lester Essig. It was given to three of his descendants: Liam Essig, Shauna Essig and Ashlyn Essig. But the true highlight of the evening was the history of the NCA presented in 25-year increments, complete with a slide show. We all learned something! The evening ended with a fancy birthday cake and singing of Auld Lang Syne.
Photos are much more effective at expressing the true pleasures of this event. Click on the links below to see the photo galleries (thank you to Stacy Marinelli, who took many of these photos):
Photo Gallery: Saturday Classes
Photo Gallery: Just Plain Socializing