By Linda Elissalde
Peninsula Sports Park (PSP) Fundraiser PARTY in the PARK delivered much, much more than it promised with a Twist & Shout Retro Party that was truly fabulous! PSP’s yearly party provides operating funds to keep programs going for kids. Baseball, football, soccer, and cheerleading along with scholarships for graduating seniors who have participated in these programs are funded by PSP events. Awesome decorations, barbecue, live and silent auctions were warmed by strategically placed tall heaters on a cool and breezy night. The FAB 5 had all ages jiving and jumping with great music of the 60’s and 70’s. So many marvelous, talented, and generous workers created a magical moment in time.

Synonyms for fabulous: awesome, marvelous, magical, wonderful, first-rate, stellar, excellent, spectacular, cool, remarkable, superb, peerless, magnificent, fantastic, incredible, first-class, groovy, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, smashing good, great, immense, super, outstanding, terrific, extraordinary, legendary, mythical.

Popular photo booth created by Geni Kay Ainsworth

Wonderful Director Leslie Lowe and Board Members Lynn Mlcak, Stephen Saunders, Troy Casey, Rocio Cruz, and Brenda Alexander encouraged a first-rate group of volunteers. Stellar workers included Tom Osten, Dennis Rolfing and Alan Mayfield who prepared the pavilion and grounds for Party in the Park. Excellent, creative artist Janie Mayfield and crew Hollie Martin, Marsha Fredenburg, Tom and Marianne Harrison’s spectacular decorations welcomed attendees back to a time celebrating peace, love and music. These superlatives also include Beth Terminella, Sara Mlcak, Jill Chumley and Stevie Parker.

People arrived dressed in really cool “hippy” attire. After checking out remarkable items available for auction, everyone settled down until the call came to line up for superb barbecue. Peerless chairperson Rita Moseley assisted her servers Marcel Elissalde, Sandi Covington, Marsha Fredenburg, Elaine Rollfing, Nicole Horvath, Linda Smith, Mary Ann Harrison and Miriam Romero in delivering prodigious amounts of food. Magnificent ribs, chicken, brisket and sausage cooked to perfection by Michelin worthy 5 star chefs Dennis Rollfing, Charles Moseley, Tom Harrison, Red Marks, Danny Ramirez and Kenny Etheridge were piled high on every plate. Of course flanked with fantastic sides of beans and potato salad. Incredibly delicious, homemade cookies, and even cupcakes decorated with peace signs captivated every palate.

Music erupted from front stage just as tummies were filling up with first-class cuisine. And there they were, THE FAB 5, producing groovy rock&roll tunes. Dancers propelled themselves out on the floor to twist and shout over and over again as The Fab 5 played one hit after another. Amazing Shauna Schroeder along with astounding auctioneer Luke Palmer handled a lively Live Auction with phenomenal skill. Peggy Johnson did a smashing good job with the Silent Auction. Local businesses and individuals donated to both style auctions. Copious amounts were bid for great offerings by immensely enthusiastic bidders. People opened their hearts and pockets in aid of kids who use Peninsula Sports Park. Speaking of youngsters who use that park, three super, young cheerleaders delivered outstanding cheers. Youthful representatives from several sports were greeted with terrific applause. They enthusiastically responded, “Thank you!”

Betty Bradley created special FAB 4 cookies for the FAB 5

All the synonyms for fabulous go to Party in the Park’s sponsors. This list includes Crystal Beach Golf Cart, Ray’s Fireworks, The Big Store, EZ Lift, One 10 Realty, South Land Title, Stingaree Restaurant, Tiki Beach Bar and Grill, Dan Priest Insurance, Texas First Bank, and Bolivar Beach Cub.

The Fab 5 entertained until closing time. Extraordinary twisters kept right on boogieing until the end. WOW! This legendary night will not be forgotten. November 12, 2022 was a mythical evening meriting all the synonyms we could find for one word: FABULOUS!

[LCE: Nov-15-2022]