Canyon Lake Lodge turns into a bit of Bourbon Street!

The comment was heard time and again Friday, “How will anyone ever top this?” as the doors to the Lodge opened and hundreds of women, with a sprinkling of men, converged on the Mardi Gras Masquerade Fashion Show, hosted by the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club.

Led by Chairman Carol Bivens and Co-chair Bonnie Carnagey, those involved in hosting this massive event are too numerous to mention by name. From the contributors and organizers of door prizes, gift baskets, silent auction items and centerpieces to the catwalk and lighting design, massive mural on all four walls of the Holiday Bay Room and clothing modeled in the fashion show – and countless details in between – pictures will have to suffice to thank those involved.

The day began on the Lodge lawn, as a Dixieland band played and champagne and mimosas were served to those who arrived early. Attendees were greeted by women giving away Mardi Gras beads and selling tickets for different drawing opportunities, as well as by Mardi Gras Queen Cassie Boettcher.

Inside the Holiday Bay Room, the walls and windows were covered with black paper and painted by professional muralist Edmond Piffard, with festive Mardi Gras scenes enhanced by the sparkle of real beads, sequins and coins, glittery fabric and colorful balloons.

Fashion providers included Canyon Lake Pro Shop, Canyon Lake Towne Center, Coldwater Creek, Group USA, Johncee’s Closet, Ontario Mills and The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos. Jewelry was by Coldwater Creek and Cookie Lee. The “Opportunity Quilt 2008” was created over many months and donated by the Quilters Dozen for a separate drawing. The $2,500 grand prize was donated by Canyon Lake Travel.

In addition to Carol and Bonnie, Fashion Show Committee members included Nyla Finch (French Quarter parties), Suzi Delia (door prizes), Betty Cannavino (quilt drawing), Judy Helton (theme baskets drawing), Vicki Young (grand prize drawing), Becki Kenney (silent auction), Pat Batten (reservations and seating), Joanie Sundstrom (decorations), Dianne Fuess (centerpieces and table favors), Rose Marie Hand (models), Jan May (ads and donations), Shirley Beuttas (hostesses) and Bonnie Carnagey (program).