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08/16/2017 09:15 AMThink of it as a whole bunch of small parties coming together to form one big party. To help celebrate the centennial of the Madison Historical Society (MHS), volunteers have organized an Evening in White, an outdoor event at a secret location designed to both bring friends and neighbors together and honor the society.
The event is Sunday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. and according to co-event chairs Eileen Banisch and State Representative Noreen Kokoruda (R-101), the idea is simple. Wear white, bring a picnic, and come have a good time.
The event, an Evening in White, is not unique to Madison, but is part of a worldwide phenomenon according to Kokoruda. She said the concept started in France and has spread around the world. Both she and Banisch, the executive director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, attended such an event in Durham recently and have just been waiting for the right moment to bring it to Madison. When the centennial came up, Banisch said she knew this was the perfect opportunity.
“The centennial is a yearlong celebration and [the MHS was] looking to have a few special events in town including their big gala which is coming up, but because Noreen and I had been asked to serve on this committee, we were discussing different events and ways to tie everything together,” she said. “We looked at each other and thought, ‘Oh here is a great opportunity.’”
The cost to participate is $40. Event organizers provide the location, tables and chairs (all in white), and entertainment—in this case, the band Blues on the Rocks. Attendees are asked to wear all white and bring a full picnic—food, drink, plates, and utensils (no plastic and again, all white). Once guest arrive, they will be seated at long tables so small groups quickly become part of a larger party. The $40 fee goes directly to the MHS.
“You really get your friends together and you organize your own picnic,” said Kokoruda. “When you get there, you will be joining bigger tables and that way you get to meet people, too.”
Kokoruda said the idea is to keep it simple. People can be as dressed up or as dressed down as they would like as long as they stick with the white theme—even though it is after Labor Day.
“People really get into the theme, but it is whatever you want to make it,” she said. “We are creating a canvas for you to have your own party. You can make your party as fancy or as simple as you want.”
The event idea is simple, but the “where” is a surprise.
“The location remains a secret,” said Banisch. “That is kind of the fun of this. People don’t find out where it is until that day. For everyone who registered, it will go on the Facebook page and or out in a big email blast to everyone saying, ‘OK we will meet you here at such and such a place at 5:30.’”
The location is in Madison and Kokoruda said the idea of a secret location is to highlight a unknown or lesser-known location in town.
For the first year of the event, Banisch and Kokoruda are hoping for 150 people to attend. Dozens have already signed up and if the event is successful, Banisch said this style of event could be used again to benefit another organization. For now, Kokoruda said the goal is to just have fun and celebrate the historical society.
“It is a celebration of the 100th anniversary—that is really what it is,” she said. “Come and join the fun. Bring your party to join our party.”
To purchase a ticket, visit madisonhistory.org/centennial. An Evening in White is Sunday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m., location TBA. There is no rain date.