The ladies of the Lake of Egypt Christian Church gathered May 6 for another of their popular "Spring Flings."
This event has become a tradition, and each spring, these ladies come up with another innovative idea.
This year's theme was "Enjoy Being A Girl" and did they ever, as a style show with a difference, was presented, featuring fashions that put those of Chanel and Karan to shame.
The outfits were unique and were designed by the models, that included Janney Gant, who also served as mistress of ceremonies; Shirley Rains, Yvonne Ray, Evelyn Goetsch, Karen Stark, Laurie Simmons, Barb Seifert, Barb Waggoner, Paula Rothschild, Delores Noe, Janet Williams, and Ann Ginder.
Sylvia Kerley provided the piano accompaniment, with a vintage tune that suited each outfit.
A welcome was given by Evelyn Goetsch, president of the ladies group, followed by an opening prayer. Those guests who found an attached flower on their program, received a door prize of a mini coffee cup candle.
Prior to the style show, the guests enjoyed a reception, where strawberry cake, chocolate caramel cake, angel food cake, fruit cups, mints, nuts, and beverages were served. Each table was centered with a selection of fashion accessories and flowers. Each guest was invited to take home her tea or coffee cup as a memento.
Then, the fashion show began, back in the church auditorium.
Janney Gant, wearing an elegant two-piece sequined black ensemble shared the origin of her chic outfit, "It came from the Goreville Ministerial Alliance Thrift Shop," she said, where several of the ladies volunteer.
Ann Ginder, wearing "petal pushers," was covered in blooms and strutted to the tune, "June Is Busting Out All Over."
Shirley Raines, wearing a poodle skirt, with doggie-like shoes, entered to the sound of "Doggie In The Window." Yvonne Ray wore a 1960s "sack dress" actually a burlap bag, stamped with "100 pounds sunflower seed."
Evelyn Goetsch, to the tune of "Good Night, Irene." wore a glamorous peignoir, with a night-time emergency kit attached, and bloomers that proclaimed, "I Enjoy Being A Girl!" on their back side.
Laurie Simmons, covered with everything for fishing, including key floater earrings, appeared to
Gone Fishing."
"Row, Row, Row Your Boat" introduced Barb Seifert, in a yachting cap and boat accessories dangling wherever, that brought a round of laughter.
Barb Waggoner, who is the wife of the church's Pastor Leroy, appeared, looking much like Jackie Kennedy, wearing an A-line frock, a pill-box hat, and classic pearls, taking the audience back to the day of Camelot. Paula Rothschild entered, to the tune of "M-I-C-K-E-Y," wearing a polka-dotted "Minnie skirt," a Minnie Mouse tail, red bloomers, and glitzy shoes, a reminder of Disney World.
Delores Noe wore an ensemble with "cap sleeves," actually her husband's fishing caps; along with "pop beads," made of soda pop cans; and a "son hat" with her son's photos attached, all to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine."
Janet Williams wore a "house dress" actually a cardboard house, she had constructed, and then couldn't get through the door, along with "deck shoes," designed from playing cards.
And, it got worse, as the models and their overworked imaginations were revealed.
When they took their final bow, the ladies received a round of applause from the audience of ladies, who agreed that the $5 admittance was well worth it.
The ladies group is not sure what they will present next year. Said Sylvia Kerley, "We're running out of ideas for something different." This was certainly not apparent at this most unusual style show, where all involved, "Enjoyed Being A Girl."
