Guest Commentary: Noche de Gala

Guest Commentary: Noche de Gala

George Gardner, Former Mayor
St Augustine, FL

“There was a very distinctive social class system during the Middle Ages. Most Medieval people were peasants, over 90%, but the divide between peasants and nobility was very clear-cut.
thefinertimes.com”

“The Menéndez birthday gala on February 28 will have a special flair this year as the St. Augustine community comes together to celebrate its 450 years of continuous settlement as the Nation’s Oldest City,” the city’s 450th Commemoration office writes.

“This year, the special event is co-produced by the City of St. Augustine, the Casa Monica Hotel, the 450th Federal Commission, the Tourist Development Council, and a host of community partners.”

“This is a great opportunity for the city to gather together and toast our legacy as the oldest city in the continental U.S., said John Regan, city manager. It’s something to be really proud of.”

“The evening at the Lightner Museum will be highlighted by a colorful cast of 16th century re-enactors, a festive atmosphere with period performers, live music, dancing and a special menu created by the Casa Monica,” writes the city.

Tickets are $195 per person – black tie, 16th century costume optional.

Under the plan, the “colorful cast of 16th century re-enactors” (most of whom have spent far more time in historic research and expense on authentic period wear and accouterments than attendees on their rented costumes and tickets) will form a procession down St. George Street and entertain arriving ticket-holders.

Unlike recent years when all but a few reenactors were allowed any closer, they’ll be allowed to fill the Lightner pool area for the enjoyment of the ticket holders dining in the balcony – but with no mingling between pool area and balcony – and will then exit at 9:30 pm, leaving the ticket holders to dance to a modern band.

It is a step up from recent years, but unfortunate that the dedicated reenactment community – especially in this anniversary year – will be relegated to a “cast” for the brief amusement of gala ticket holders.