Casements' annual Christmas Gala gets city feeling the holiday spirit

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

For the 100th year, The Casements held its annual Christmas Gala, flooding the city with holiday cheer.

BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER

The Christmas spirit was overflowing from inside The Casements last weekend, for the opening of its Centennial Christmas Gala.

"Jingle Bells" played in the background Friday night, as the annual tree-lighting ceremony took place inside the historic home of John D. Rockefeller.

"We keep the tradition alive from John D.," guild member Bill Reynolds said. "He was the guy that started doing the parties. He would invite the community in, so that's what we do."

Rockefeller even made an appearance himself (played by Bud Stroeber), and he handed dimes out to guests.

"He's from the same stuff I was from," said Strober about the similarities between himself and Rockefeller.

Carriage rides courtesy of Ormond Beach horses Neiman and Austin were available during the entire three-day weekend event. It was the horses' fifth year providing rides. Other activities included an ice cream social, a wine night and a tea party on Sunday.

Treats were served during one of two tea parties Sunday, as seven little girls and one boy put on a Christmas fashion show for the audience. Decked out in their holiday outfits, the kids walked up and down the runway, and then ended their show with a few Christmas songs.

Tina Piejack, Casements Guild member, said the whole weekend gala gets Ormond Beach into the holiday spirit.

"The fact that you can see all the Christmas trees and decorations, it's a plus," Piejack said. "I'm really excited to be here and, every time, they really do a tremendous job."