By Bernheim
Source: The News-Enterprise
January 31, 2019
On Valentine’s Day, guests of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest will party like it’s 1929.
Having a special Valentine’s dinner event is not new for Bernheim, but the theme is.
Because this year is the 90th anniversary of Bernheim’s founding in 1929, the dinner will have a roaring 1920s theme.
“We thought this event was the perfect opportunity to highlight the milestone,” said Amy Landon, Bernheim manager of communications and marketing. “It will be a wonderful evening of romance — we will have dinner and dancing under the stars, while inside our beautiful glass visitor center.”
Each guest will receive a commemorative wine glass to mark the anniversary.
The celebration is 6:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 14. Tickets are $150 per couple for Bernheim members and $175 per couple for nonmembers.
“We will have a photo booth stocked with props from the 1920’s and the evening’s entertainment will include a live 1920’s style dance performance by Steve and Donna from Dance with Steve and Donna and a live auction for a weekend stay at Bernheim’s peaceful and rustic lakehouse,” she said. “There will also be a cash bar to celebrate the end of prohibition.”
The atmosphere, she said will have a romantic and nostalgic feel.
“A luminaria will lead into the visitor center, which will be transformed into a speakeasy, complete with art deco décor and other details evoking the era,” Landon said.
The 1920s style was marked by flapper dresses, headbands, feathers and long pear necklaces. Men often wore flashy suits or tuxedos. Much the style of “The Great Gatsby.”
Period dress is optional.
The land for Bernheim was purchased in 1929. Since that time there have been changes.
“The quality of the land has drastically improved, therefore improving the quality of our air, water and habitat,” she said. “Isaac Wolfe Bernheim purchased just over 13,000 acres that would become Bernheim Forest, and we are now more than 16,000 acres.”
At the time of purchase, the land had been heavily logged, she said.
“Bernheim’s staff worked hard to re-plant trees, which are now approaching old growth status,” she said. “We continue to work on stewarding the land to the highest standards, living up to the vision of our founder.”
Programs are offered for all ages and work is being done outside the property to bring nature to people with limited access to nature. The hope is to not only improve the environment of Bernheim but also the region, Landon said.
The 1920s style Valentine’s banquet is one of many activities Bernheim will hold throughout 2019 to mark the anniversary.
“We are currently offering a series of guided tours of our forest, led by our Forest Manager Andrew Berry,” she said. “Additional program announcements will come throughout the year, including one giant announcement coming soon.”
Announcements about upcoming events will be made on Bernheim’s social media accounts, Landon said.
Registration is required by Feb. 9.
For more information or to register, call 502-215-7159.
Becca Owsley can be reached at 270-505-1740 or bowsley@thenewsenterprise.com.