There's great St. Thomian excitement brewing in Key West, Fla., right now as plans take shape for the fourth annual St. Thomas Bacchanal to be held there this year.
This year's event is being organized by Jane Hoffman Walker, daughter of the late Judge Louis Hoffman and sister of local attorney Paul. It will be held the weekend of April 30 to May 2.
All current and ex-pat St. Thomas residents are invited.
The first Bacchanal was initiated by ex-pat Anne Lawrence Wray in Fort Lauderdale, and it's been growing faster than ketch n' keep ever since.
Key West, which is a bit like a stateside St. Thomas, give or take a little, should prove a welcoming site for the festivities, which start with a sunset cocktail party Friday and dinner and dancing at Kelly's Caribbean Bar and Brewery on Saturday. Kelly's is in the old Pan Am building and is owned by Kelly McGillis.
The event, which Jane said should draw about 400 people this year, is proving a winner with such personalities as Olivia Stanford, Dorothy Vialet and Ray and Judy Stull.
Ray will always be remembered for the infamous waterfront saloon Trader Dan's,
certainly one of St. Thomas's more colorful watering holes until its demise in the early '70s.
Also expecting to attend this year are Wendy
and Bob Noble. Bob owned radio station WVWI and is a member in good standing of the Water Island Garden Club.
Others expected at this year's event are Joycelyn Hillaire, Jo and Len Stein of WSTA radio and Jack Chapman and Jo Tatum of All Island Air, to name a few.
"It's really a unique opportunity to renew old acquaintances and fun memories of times past," Jane said.
To sign up or to get more information, including hotel arrangements, contact Jane Walker Hoffman at 809 Third St., Key West, Fl. 33040, or call at 305-296-0510. You can also reach her e-mail at [email protected].
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