What an event! There was such great support! I don't think I've ever seen that many people in the hall before. There wasn't an empty seat to be found. The large hall and the small hall were filled to capacity and even every booth in the bar was lined with people ready to enjoy the delicious meal about to be served. Behind the kitchen, the storage room was turned into an activity center and pizza parlor for the children. Dozens of volunteers prepared the feast of garlic bread, garden salad, pasta and the main course, the all-you-can-eat crab!
Hors d'oeuvres of diced cheeses, sushi, and an assortment of dips awaited the hungry supporters as washed it down with white and red wine. Zé Duarte and Sal Freitas played entertained us all with their delightful mandolin and guitar duet. The Centennial Festa Royalty, seated on stage, was introduced and after thanks were given to all the volunteers, it was time to bring out the food. Each course was met with thunderous applause and some people even gave a standing ovation when the crabs came out.
If stuffing yourself with crab, pasta, garlic bread and salad wasn't enough, there were silent auction items to bid on, raffle tickets to place your hopes on, as well as a contest where contestants buy a key in hopes of unlocking a doorknob. Behind the door was a prize. Tony Calabrese took the stage to conduct the live auction and add some humor to the night.
Based on all the smiles, laughter, and full bellies, I can say with confidence that the 2010 Crab Feast was a great success. |
