On February 14, attendees of the WEDU Sojourn 2009 enjoyed an international celebration of the wine, cuisine, and culture of Spain to benefit the local west central Florida community PBS station.
Each year the annual fund-raiser consistently transports guests to a different location around the globe, such as France and Australia, with its theme and decor. For its fourth annual event, the station immersed its guests into the international culture of Spain.
ConceptBAIT utilized both rectangular and round tables covered in red and yellow spandex linens-the colors represented on the Spanish national flag-to transform the Belleview Biltmore Resort in Clearwater. Each table was then topped with a collection of colorful flowers arranged in multiple vases of varying sizes and shapes as well as ornate iron trellises covering in flora and fauna.
Guests were treated to sangria and a choice of Spanish wines upon arrival as they mingled amongst costumed actors portraying famous and historical icons from the region including Salvador Dali and Don Quixote.
Just as dinner was about to conclude, a band of young adults ran hastily around the tables shouting, "the bulls are coming!" Soon thereafter a herd of actors donning whimsical bull costumes ran around the space indicating the beginning of the night's entertainment, which included a performance by Spanish flamenco dancers.
Continuing the Spanish theme, guests were each presented with a pair of red castanets to take with them as a memento of the evening.
