Sunday, October 6, 2024
Several members of the ton donned their finery for the Gatesville Public Library’s Bridgerton Ball on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Gatesville Civic Center.
Inspired by the popular television show and book series set in Regency era England, Library Director Shea Harp said the idea came from other libraires in Texas that were also throwing Bridgerton-inspired balls.
“I have employees who are fans of it, and I saw that Gatesville was a big fan of it,” Harp said. “I thought it would be fun to have our own here – so we did one. If anyone wanted to travel and go to one, they didn’t have to go very far.”
The evening included a variety of activities inspired by the show and the time period, such as tables where guests could practice calligraphy with fountain pens, silhouette painting, dance lessons, and a game where attendees guessed the identity of the night’s very own Lady Whistledown.
Gatesville Parks and Recreation also helped assemble an indoor croquet game, a popular activity for nobility in 19th century Britian.
The event served as a fundraiser for the library, raising around $3,000. Harp said the funds will help support the library’s next fundraising event.
“We thought that it would be a great fundraising idea to maybe go toward something bigger in the future,” Harp said. “Essentially, it’s to start off small, and then go big, eventually.”
A professional photographer also donated their time to take photos of guests in their period-inspired costumes in front of a Regency manor backdrop, so they could have their own Bridgerton portrait to bring home.
Gatesville ISD’s culinary arts students prepared the appetizers and drinks for the evening. Dishes and beverages included a toasted cucumber spread, chicken and bacon tortilla wraps, stuffed strawberries, macarons, mini cupcakes, tea, and lemonade.
Like at any ball, the evening received a grand entrance from the queen, who was Gatesville’s own community member Deborah Ament.
“Bridgerton is such a fun, fun thing right now,” Harp said. “It’s not a whole lot, but it’s a good experience, and it’s a fun experience.”
