Do you think anyone would ever throw a party to celebrate the North? Dressed in dreary black, sipping cups of hot tea and discussing the latest blizzard, it would certainly be an ... “interesting” sort of evening. While we hold our breath and wait for the arrival of such an invitation, we can revel in the sweet memory of the first ever “Puttin’ on the Gritz — A Celebration of All Things Southern,” which was held at the Fairhope Civic Center on April 11.

A fundraiser for the Eastern Shore Art Center, (ESAC) and the Committee on Public Art, (COPA) this inaugural event had party-goers swimming in a sea of seersucker, pastels, a few touches of camouflage and of course, college football logos. It was a night of elegance combined with a hint of hootenanny.

“Southerners are known for their unique blend of charm, quirkiness and style, and we knew this would be the perfect theme for a fun evening,” said Adrienne Falls, the Belle of Marketing for ESAC.

Greeted by top-hat wearing gentlemen and hooped skirted ladies, guests were in awe of the more-is-more Southern mantra, carried out by party planner extraordinaire Pat Herndon, along with Espalier Landscape Architecture who transformed the weary Civic Center into a magical garden, with magnolias, azaleas, a canopy of trees and twinkling lights to remind us of those sparkling stars which are always falling on our dear Alabama.

A cut-out (oh, if only he were real) of Elvis stood watch over the party while bow-tied gentlemen and ladies in flouncy hats and gloves feasted on the Hunka-Hunka-Burnin’ Love’s favorite grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches along with shrimp and grits provided by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel. A long line formed around the pulled pork, pimento cheese and Alabama Caviar which were all whipped up by Berglin's Catering. Dessert, so chocolatey good, it made you want to slap your mama, was found at the table piled high with Mississippi Mud Pies from Chive Talkin’ Catering.

“Have you tasted this food?” Asked one woman in a flowerdy dress. “Yes I have,” whispered her friend in a flouncy pink hat. “Thank goodness I wore my Spanx or else I’d look like I had two pigs a-wrestlin’ inside this dress! Be a love and pass me another one of those mud pies.”

Of course, in true Southern style, the beverages were flowing and the pearls were bouncing as the crowd went wild over the band Fuego, who played all the favorite hits. “Put that pork plate down and come dance with me, honey,” she said. “Don’t worry, I can dance and eat at the same time,” he replied.

An auction for lovely, one-of-a-kind artwork, fabulous destination trips and more were available for bids throughout the evening.

“A trip to Panama?” asked one grey headed gentleman, who raised his eyebrows with a slight smile and continued, “Isn’t that where all the college girls are goin’ wild?”

“Simmer down,” said his wife. “This trip is to the country Panama, not the God-forsaken Florida town.”

With a sigh, he was heard to mumble, “Then frankly my dear, I don’t give a …”

Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, the ESAC offers instructional classes, free rotating gallery exhibits, a gift shop, two yearly outdoor art shows and exciting parties open to the public every first Friday of the month. Outreach to special populations ensure the beauty and fun of art are available to everyone in our area.

COPA has installed several pieces of outdoor art along the Eastern Shore, with the latest project being the gorgeous flower clock at the corner of Section Street and Scenic Highway 98.

OK, I guess the “all things North” party could claim Motown, but didn’t that start with a little Southern soul? Loving where we live and celebrating our lives in the sunny South while giving a wink to our uniqueness, “Puttin’ on the Gritz" was indeed the perfect way to celebrate all things Southern … y’all.