Saturday found us skimming across the ocean “26 Miles (to Catalina)”. It was Avalon Ball time and we were going for the first time. Each year my work had had an event on the same weekend as Avalon Ball, hosted by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, but low and behold this year I lucked out.
On the Catalina Express it only takes about one hour to boat from Long Beach to Avalon harbor on Santa Catalina Island. As we went over in our dress clothes, we didn’t linger long in Avalon. We only stopped long enough to have dinner before we headed to the Casino that isn’t a casino. The Casino was opened in 1929 and is a gorgeous venue full of colonnades and tilework for the people of Avalon. Once the pleasure playground of Hollywood elite and common folks alike, the Casino and its famous ballroom were known the world around at the height of its popularity. The Avalon Ball takes place in this gorgeous ballroom high above the harbor. However, the bottom level of the Casino has a movie theater with gorgeous murals on the wall, designed by John Gabriel Beckman .
There was no dancing to Dean Mora and his orchestra for us. Paul just had some repair work on his hip and was still using a cane. However, I hope to have another opportunity to dance in the ballroom soon. I itched to take a twirl around the floor to the lovely music. Still we got to socialize and schmooze with friends, which is even better.
I wore the dress I profiled here.
Alas, the evening ended far too soon as we boated back across the ocean. But one day, I will be back.
WOW! Looks like an amazing event!!
We were so sad to miss it, but I hear that it did go well. We've received a lot of positive reviews.
When you back over, perhaps we could make it a group visit. We could trek up to the Wrigley and also get in a game of miniature golf. 🙂
Sounds like a plan Lily.
Looks like so much fun.Next year,it's on!We finally took the tour of the casino last time were in Avalon in the summer and there's so much information I had no idea about it.Like why it's called a casino,but doesn't have gambling…
Heidi
Wow, the architecture and details are gorgeous! Will definitely have to check it out next time I'm in the LA area.
You should, Kate. It is so pretty!