I had the pleasure of attending the Sparkle in the Dark fundraising event in Ulverstone, Tasmania hosted by the Rotary Club. The theme of the night was The Great Gatsby and all attendees dressed for the era. Men looked resplendant in suits and formal black tie, the women were absolutely gorgeous in sparkles and beads, boas and feathers.
This dress up event was right up my alley. I had the perfect dress to wear for the occasion. (Yes, I do carry a sparkly beaded dress in my luggage. You just never know when you may need one, and this evening proves I was right!)
Guests were greeted with glasses of champagne upon arrival and backdrop sets were available for capturing photos. My friend Terese, whom I had met in Tasmania, also attended the evening and looked glamorous.
The event raised money for Motor Neuron Disease and a local women's shelter. Two auctions were held on the night, a silent one and a quite boisterous and loud one. The money was going to great causes and people were bidding the donations up quite considerably. Local businesses donated goods for the auctions and local radio station 7AD-SEA FM were one of the major sponsors.
The rowing club had been transformed into a glorious ballroom.
As a stranger to town, it was lovely to mix with local people that I didn't know before the event, but found lots of commonality to talk about. Once they knew I was here from "the mainland" and loving their state, they had lots of brilliant suggestions on places and events to enjoy.
A three course alternative drop menu was efficiently served and absolutely delicious.
The Collection is a five member local band that played some fantastic tunes and the dance floor was barely ever empty. People of all ages were dancing in groups or as couples. It was delightful to see. I danced with great joy that evening. They even played my request for Proud Mary.
Becoming a traveller is more exciting to me that being a tourist. A tourist visits a destination, a traveller stays for an extended period of time and immerses themselves in the local culture building relationships with local people.
How to find events such as this are easy, all it takes is a bit of research. Here are some of the resources I have used in the Devonport, Tasmania region
Local newspapers
Radio stations, google the station and the words events and you will find a trove of information www.7ad.com.au/community/events
Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com.au/d/australia--tasmania/events/
Facebook groups are awesome at listing events www.facebook.com/devonportevents
Meetup is one of my favourite ways to connect with locals. They are interest groups that hold events all over the world www.meetup.com
Never be afraid to try something new when travelling. Step outside your comfort zone. It may just be one of the best fun nights you have in a new destination.
Happy Travels!
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