Free event is hosted by county library system
By Barb Pert Templeton
Transport yourself to the glittering 1920’s at the St. Clair County Library System (SCCLS) Roaring Twenties Literary Gala, an enchanting evening of music, art, and storytelling that captures the spirit of the Jazz Age.
So states the press release touting the 2nd annual Literary Gala planned for Saturday, April 12 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the Ballroom at CityFlatsHotel in Port Huron. The price to attend is certainly right, it’s free and open to everyone 16 and older, not just library patrons.
Promising to “whisk you back to a time of speakeasies and literary legends” attendees are encouraged to dress for the era and be ready for an evening of unique entertainment.
The activities list includes:
· Dance Instruction – Learn the iconic moves of the Charleston and East Coast Swing from professional instructors Dan and AnnaLee Higgins, and dance the night away!
· Caricature Artist – Take home a unique keepsake from a talented caricature artist.
Dressing up for the era was a huge part of the fun at last year’s gala dubbed, ‘The Regency Ball.
· Historical Presenter – Discover the secrets of bootlegging in the Bluewater Area during Prohibition, with an engaging talk that reveals our region’s hidden past featuring Historian Andrew Kercher.
· Gatsby-Style Refreshments – Savor elegant hors d’oeuvres paired with prohibition-inspired mocktails.
The gala is perfect for literature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience the glamour and mystery of the Jazz Age and Great Gatsby era.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Mike Mercatante, the community relations and friend development coordinator for St. Clair County Library System to pose a few questions about the popular annual Literary Gala.
Blue Water Health Living: What was the turnout like for this event last year?
Mike Mercatante: Last year’s event was sold out with a waiting list.
BWHL: Did you have teens and adults? Families? Local theater groups? –
Mercatante: Yes. People came from all over. The suggested age range is 16 and over as the event was/is geared for that age group. We had groups of parents with their adult children there.
BWHL: What’s new for this year’s Gala?
Last year’s Gala was called the Regency Ball, had 200 in attendance and was inspired by the show Bridgerton.
Mercatante: This year’s theme is the Roaring 20’s and we are using the novel, The Great Gatsby, as our inspiration. It is the 100th year of the book’s publication. Last year’s Gala was called the Regency Ball and was inspired by the show Bridgerton. This year, the event will kick-off with local historian (and new SCCLS employee!) Andrew Kercher’s presentation on Bootlegging and Prohibition in the Blue Water area, followed by dance instruction (the Charleston and East Coast Swing) with Dan and AnnaLee Higgins. Caricatures by Erv will be on-site to provide keepsakes for attendees on a first-come first-served basis.
BWHL: Can you share some examples of how guests dressed up for the Gala?
Mercatante: Last year, the majority of attendees were in period costume. It was so much fun. See attached photos for reference. We encourage attendees to dress up in formal attire but anyone can come. Part of the fun is the costuming.
BWHL: What are examples of “elegant horse d’oevres and prohibition-inspired mocktails?
Mercatante: All mocktails will be inspired by popular beverages of the 1920’s. Many of our appetizers and our candy dessert bar were also selected with this era in mind.
BWHL: How is the music provided for the dance lessons? (Live band – record player)
Mercatante: The music is pre-recorded.
BWHL: How many guests can this event accommodate?
Mercatante: There will be 200 tickets available starting March 17. This event, like all library events, is free to the public. We do ask that any that obtains a ticket but then cannot attend, to please cancel their tickets so it may free up for someone else. Tickets can be obtained at: https://scclsliterarygala2025.eventbrite.com.
The CityFlatsHotel in Port Huron is located at 800 Military Street.
