The Edgewood Fair fell this year on Cinco de Mayo, an appropriate twinning opportunity for this 43rd annual event’s theme, Around the World.
“It gave us the chance to add a fun twist,” said Event co-chairwoman Janet Lautenberger, “So we’re featuring a Tortilla Heights’-sponsored Tequila tasting.”
A favorite spring frolic (Tequila or not), the fair kicked-off at the Golden Gate Club in the The Presidio with a VIP preview party which heralded the start of two-days of smart shopping at this beloved boutique event.
First founded as a garden festival in 1967 by the Edgewood Auxiliary, the original fair was a modest event of crafts and garden items.
“My mother-in-law, Kay Woods, was involved with Edgewood Fair for many years,” said guest Annie Woods. “In the beginning, she said, the Fair mostly sold things like homemade mustards, jams and jellies. They’ve really stepped it up this year!”
Indeed. More than 40 vendors from across the country shared space at this still slightly Garden-themed event, where fabulous orchid plants vied for attention next to snazzy Stubbs & Wootton slippers.
But were talking Palm Beach-style “slippers,” colorful and crocheted beauties that start at about $350 a pair.
Which handily added to the Fair’s bottom line, raising some glorious green for the programs of the Edgewood Center for Children and Families, the oldest children’s charity in the Western United States devoted to dealing with health issues, neglect, mental illness and family crisis.
Michael Gallagher and his wife, Theo Schwabacher, Elizabeth Simpson and Edgewood Board Chairman Dr. Graeme Hanson
Some 700 supporters swarmed this soiree which starred a delish McCall Associates spread, specialty cocktails created by Absinthe mixologist Jeff Hollinger and a Cigar Bar & Grill-sponsored (outdoors, of course) cigar bar.
The next’s day luncheon with featured speaker, author Kelly Corrigan, was completely sold-out. But 100 extra folks showed up just to shop the boutique.
“Did you know Edgewood was founded in 1829 for Gold Rush-era orphans? And it continues to provide wonderful programs for families and children,” said supporter Stephanie Tuttle. “Plus? This is a really fun party -- you run into people you know from all over the City!”
Stay tuned: Sen. Dianne Feinstein will honored at Edgewood’s 3rd annual Hope Ball on October 24.
Check out the photos below.
Shirley Robinson von Karl, Edgewood Board Vice-Chairman Paul Holm and Kendall Wilkinson
Sam Lucente and his wife, Cynthia Lohr who donated her family's J. Lohr Vineyard vino
Annie Woods, Gardner Robinson and Patricia Magher
Kira and Philip Robb
Ralph Juhl with daughter, Carol Juhl and his wife, Claudia Juhl
Stephanie Tuttle and Amy Glass
McCall Associate's Lee Gregory with Melanie and Kurt Hoefer
Cathy Jordan and Isabelle Higson
Greg and Julie Flynn
Victor and Farah Makras, Elisa and Collin Wiel and Marc Corsi
Elizabeth Leep and Maryann Ramirez
Stubbs & Wootten slippers
