The Village of Wellington Easter Egg Hunt. Photo by Carol Porter.
Get your baskets ready for Wellington’s Annual Egg Hunt! The Egg Hunt returns to the Village Park softball fields, located at 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, March 30th.
The event begins promptly at 10:00 a.m., and will be divided into four age groups: ages 2 and under, or those in need of special accommodations; ages 3 to 4; ages 5 to 7; and ages 8 to 10. At each egg hunt, two eggs will have a pink bunny ticket inside, indicating a special prize. Families are encouraged to arrive early as traffic congestion may occur. Remember to bring your own basket or bag to collect your eggs.
Special thanks to our event sponsors, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center and Christ Fellowship Church, for their support of this great hometown event.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
ON APRIL 13 & 14 IN JUPITER LIVE CAJUN AND ZYDECO MUSIC, AUTHENTIC CAJUN FOOD, AND MORE!
The 6th Annual Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival, sponsored by Good Greek Moving & Storage, returns to Abacoa on Saturday, April 13, from 10 am – 10 pm and Sunday, April 14, from 10 am-8 pm. This premier Cajun Crawfish and Music Festival will celebrate the culture and traditions of Louisiana through food, music, and dance! Virginia Sinicki from The KVJ Show on 979WRMF will serve as the Master of Ceremonies throughout the weekend and bring her flair as a local who grew up in New Orleans.
The streets of Abacoa will be filled with Mardi Gras-themed decorations and banners, with lots of purple, green, and gold. Attendees will be transported to Bourbon Street when they arrive as the aroma of the Cajun food will be in the air. Come get a taste of “N’awlins” with authentic Cajun food featuring an expanded menu featuring a crawfish boil by Louisiana John and lots of other dishes of crawfish etouffee,’ jambalaya, Virginia’s seafood and meat gumbo, po’boys, muffalettas, fried shrimp and chicken, crab cakes, oysters, red beans and rice, and Little Smiles will be raising money by selling Cajun Crawfish Pasta by the famous award-winning chef Jim Lucas, a master boiler. There will also be beignets, sno balls, cider donuts, and more. There will be a crawfish eating contest on Saturday.
Enjoy the Bourbon Street atmosphere with classic cocktails such as Hurricanes, Grenades, and champagne hurricanes. Atoll Vodka will be giving away samples throughout the festival.
Headlining the two-day festival on the Louisiana Travel Stage is 2022 winner- Jazz Fest a New Orleans Story Grammy Winner for Best Music Film 2022, and 2018 two-time Grammy nominee, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers. Dwayne Dopsie grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, and will perform on Saturday at 8 pm. Dwayne taught himself how to play the accordion by watching videos of his father and Clifton Chenier. The knowledge of Dwayne’s musical ability, along with his Zydeco Hellraisers band members, has over 100 years of combined experience playing Zydeco music, which shows in every performance. The energy and true talent that Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers emit from the stage makes it obvious that this band has no competition. Currently, Dwayne Dopsie can be heard on Beyonce’s latest album.
Adding to the lineup performing on the Louisiana Travel stage are The Porchdogs, who bring their spicy accordion sounds of Louisiana with their Cajun, zydeco, and New Orleans R&B classics from New Orleans, The Rock’n Jake Band, a festival favorite. Jake is known as one of the premier harmonica players in the country. His original sound is a hybrid of second line, swamp funk, blues, and zydeco with influences from Paul Butterfield, Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, The Meters, WAR, J. Geils Band, Clifton Chenier, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds; the local band, Hot Sauce Moon performing folk and Blues, and J-Bird’s Value Meal Killah and The Snack Pack (from KVJ Show) will return to the festival.
Two amazing charities will be on site all weekend at The Cajun Crawfish and Music Festival. First, we have Maddie’s Fight Foundation. They are incredible at helping families dealing with childhood cancer. Second, we have our beloved Little Smiles, which helps children go through personal or medical crises. Visit their booths to learn more about these children’s charities. They will be on-site, creating awareness of their cause and raising money.
Experience Louisiana in style, reserve a VIP stage pod with four seats near the stage with a table including cocktail service or a private VIP Chalets with eight seats and table under a tent, including cocktail service. These are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
Tickets are $5.00, and children ages 12 and younger are free. Sponsorship opportunities are available. General lawn seating will also be available for those who would like to bring their own chair or blanket to enjoy the all-day entertainment. For more information, visit www.cajuncrawfishmusicfestival.com.
About Little Smiles:
This fun-filled cultural event benefits Little Smiles. Little Smiles is a volunteer-driven, non-profit 501(c)3 children’s charity. Their mission is to help heal hearts and create little smiles by providing gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness, or tragedy. With the guidance of local professionals such as doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and social workers, they strive to help kids escape their unfortunate circumstances, even if only for a brief period of time. For more information, visit www.littlesmilesfl.org.
About Maddie’s Fight Foundation:
Founded in 2017, Maddie’s Fight Foundation is a fully licensed 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to families of children with cancer and to supporting research for Osteosarcoma treatment. Visit: www.maddiesfight.org.
Calendar Listing:
The 6th Annual Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival (benefiting Little Smiles and Maddie’s Fight Foundation) is Saturday, April 13, from 10 am – 10 pm and Sunday, April 14, from 10 am – 8 pm at Abacoa Amphitheater in Jupiter. The event is $5, and children 12 and under are free. VIP stage pod seating and Creole Cottages are available. The event will be filled with authentic Cajun food featuring an expanded menu with a crawfish boil, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp po’boys, and live New Orleans and Cajun zydeco music. For more information, visit cajuncrawfishmusicfestival.com.
They say that all creatives are “artists.”; however, I have always daydreamed about what it would be like to be a visual artist. What would it be like to be able to create a visual representation of a cloud, sunset – an emotional moment that needed color and depth? Hence, art is and will remain an integral part of my life. On that note, I’d like to introduce to you Heather Bergstrom, President of the Wellington Art Society and professional artist specializing in graphite charcoal and acrylic painting – an artist who “tells stories” through her art. Let the interview begin….
A.W: At what age did you know that being an artist was your “calling”?
H.B: I’ve loved art my whole life and spent a lot of time honing my skills as an artist growing up. It didn’t occur to me that art could be a career choice, so I never knew what to say when people asked, “what do you want do be when you grow up?” I ended up earning my degree in Psychology and got a job that helped pay the bills, but it wasn’t satisfying. I never stopped learning, creating and dreaming about art. In 2016, my husband, our two children, and I left our home in Connecticut and moved here. I sort of fell in into a job at my kids’ new school and art became my “side-hustle.”Two years later, my husband suddenly fell ill and, to save his life, doctors put him in a medically induced coma with full life support. The doctors gave him a 50-50 chance of survival, so I decided to stop working to be with him in the hospital as much as possible, I am grateful to my friends and family, whose prayers and support got me through this difficult time. After months in the ICU, my husband grew strong enough to regain consciousness, go through rehab and finally return home, but still needed a lot of care. Art became my outlet during his long recovery.Then, just as I was able to go back to work, the pandemic hit, and schools were closed indefinitely. So, with no job to go to, I decided to go for it and start my own art business. So, to make a long story short, I guess it took some pretty major life events to help me realize art was my true calling!
A.W: I read on your website that you were “quite shy’ as a kid, and that art helped you with this challenge. Do you feel that being able to share your art with others has made you less shy?
H.B: I am still an introvert – that personality trait runs deep! But just like anyone else, I want to have meaningful connections with others. A lot of my art has to do with subjects, ideas and emotions that are pretty universal. The moments I capture give me and my audience an opportunity to connect with each other in a way that feels safe to me, I suppose. It’s a lovely way to “break the ice!”
A.W: What are some of your favorite pieces? Please share a few with us and their significance.
H.B: Many of my pieces have some kind of water in them. To me, water represents life for many reasons. There is “water” in birth, baptism, and we need it to survive. It can be violent or joyful, peaceful or terrifying, exciting or calming… and it can change in an instant. In the same way, life is unpredictable and ever changing, but it is always beautiful.One of my favorite paintings that features water is Life Lessons, which shows a father teaching his son to fish. The reference photos that I used for this painting were taken by my mother. The figures in the painting are my brother and his son, who was about seven years old at the time. I wanted to highlight this special relationship of a father and a son especially the encouragement and guidance the father gives as his son reels in his first fish. When I look at this painting, I imagine many future fishing trips where the father teaches his son much more than fishing.Another of my favorites is Flying Ace, a pelican in flight. Watching a pelican trying to walk on the beach is like watching a clumsy cartoon character. But when they take flight, they are kings of the air! The idea behind this painting is not to judge someone based on their struggles, but to look for the moments when they shine. Flying Ace recently won Best in Show from the Jupiter Cultural Arts Council and was purchased by the Town of Jupiter. It is hanging in the main lobby of the new Jupiter Town Hall.
A.W: In researching your art, I learned that your main art modalities are graphite, charcoal and acrylic paint. How do these compare with other artist’s mediums? Do they intensify color and vision?
H.B: When I was younger, I gravitated towards graphite and charcoal because they were inexpensive and almost always within reach. I liked using a range of values to create realistic drawings in gray scale. Eventually, I wanted to add color into my artwork, so I took up painting. I was immediately taken with acrylic paint for its vibrant colors, quick drying time and easy clean up. Often people look at the blending in my work and think that it is oil paint because it’s very hard to blend like that with acrylics. I am left-handed, but I actually paint with a brush in each hand sometimes, so I can blend the paint quickly before it dries. Whether I am using graphite or paint, I love creating the illusion of three-dimensional forms on a two-dimensional surface.
A.W: As President of the Wellington Art Society, you view and interact with many forms and genres of art. Do you feel that your position has influenced or affected your own art? Please explain.
H.B: Absolutely! I think that the most successful artists never stop learning, discovering and growing. Shortly after I joined WAS, I was introduced to master oil painter Laurie Snow Hein. She has been my mentor for the past four years, Laurie has taught me, not just about technique, but also about life and what it means to be an artist and a businesswoman. My daughter who is also a member of WAS is a huge inspiration to me. She is majoring in Studio Arts and focuses on character design using digital art. I often tell people about her incredible talent, creativity and dedication to her art. As President, it is a privilege to work alongside so many talented, local artists and experience their different mediums, styles and subjects. Every time we get together, we give each other inspiration to explore new ideas.
A.W: What are the positives of being President of the Wellington Art Society? What are some of the challenges?
H.B: First, let me tell you a little about the Wellington Art Society (WAS). We are a 501 (c)3 charitable organization whose mission is to educate encourage originality, and to promote art appreciation in Palm Beach County. WAS is a very friendly and welcoming group with over 100 members who are artists, gallery owners and art enthusiasts. We have continuously run exhibitions that are free and open to the public at both Wellington City Hall and Wellington Community Center. We also host engaging monthly meetings featuring well-known, local artists and special events like pop-up galleries and art receptions. Every year we award scholarships which enable talented young artists in the community to attend art school. To date, we have awarded over $130,000 in scholarships! We also do community outreach projects such as collecting art supplies for needy children and doing art projects with cancer patients. As President, it has been a lot of fun working with our amazing Board of Directors. I enjoy helping to plan our events, such as our current exhibition called “Harmony” going on now at Premier Family Health in Wellington, as well as working with other non-profits such as Kids’ Cancer Foundation, Arts for Smiles and the Great Charity Challenge. We are all volunteers at WAS, and it is so rewarding to support local artists while giving back tour community in creative ways. As far as challenges go, most non-profit organizations will tell you that raising funds always tops the list. We fund our scholarships and other outreach programs in part through donations and sponsorships. We are always looking for fresh ideas to encourage people to support our mission. For a small donation of $25, you can become a “Friend of WAS and support the advancement of arts and culture in Palm Beach County. For more information, please visit our website www.wellingtonartsociety.org
A.W: Where can we view more of your work and contact you if necessary?
H.B: You can learn more about me and my artwork at www.heatherbergstrom.artI am also on Facebook and Instagram as @HeatherBergstromArt
A.W: The images you’ve created are so rich in color and highlight feelings in the “moment”. I feel like it should be labelled, “art with heart”. Two of my favorites are: JoyComes with the Morning and Evensong. Can you please share the background story behind each piece?
H.B: Thanks so much! I sometimes think of my art as “visual stories” that I hope others identify with. I painted Joy Comes with The Morning during quarantine. The painting is of a little girl walking beside her horse in a sun-bathed meadow. I was feeling quite cooped up at that the time and missing my friends and family. Joy helped to remind me that “”weeping may stay for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). It was a way to reassure myself and others that one day soon we would be together again. Evensong is a painting of a serene-looking woman, sitting in a rowboat on a sunset lake. It is all about learning to find peace in the moment. During my husband’s illness, every day was full of uncertainty. I spent my days talking, reading and even singing to my husband in the hopes that he could hear me in his subconscious mind. Some days I just sat quietly as the different machines keeping him alive whirred and beeped and nurses and doctors rushed in and out of the room. Even though it was an extremely difficult and lonely time for me, it was also a time of tremendous personal growth. I think I needed to paint this one to help process everything that happened. I am happy to say that my husband is doing well now and enjoying life!
A.W: Looking at the art on your website gallery I saw a very extensive and diverse portfolio of genres: everything from Florals, Landscapes, Equestrian Sightings, Family Portraits, and even Pet Portraits. What genres give you the greatest joy?
H.B: My love of horses is what first got me into art. I drew horses constantly as a child and I still love them. I didn’t realize that Wellington was known as an equestrian hub until we moved to the area – lucky for me!This past year and a half or so, I did a “Secret Garden” series of florals and other garden paintings. The inspiration for this collection came from our actual “secret” garden which was hidden behind a row of hemlocks in our backyard in Connecticut. My children loved to play there, and pretend it was a magical land. It was fun to create this series and I will probably do more florals and botanicals in the futureOf course, I also love doing commissioned pet portraits and they are very popular with my clientele. I think going through the process of creating is joyful no matter what my subject is. I like variety because fresh ideas keep me motivated.
A.W: Do you sell your art mostly to the locals (especially the Equestrian community) in Wellington or globally as well?
H.B: Locally, I sell my artwork at juried shows and exhibitions, as well as through my website. I also sell my work in the continental US through my Etsy shop and I have an international e-commerce site through Pixels.com where you can get fine art prints of my artwork as well as other print-on-demand merchandise.
A.W: What are your future plans for your art?
H.B: Coming up on May 18-19 from 12-5 pm each day, I will be at Arts Warehouse in Delray along with about 20 other local artists as part of the Cultural Council’s county-wide Open Studio weekend. Details on that event will be coming soon at https://www.palmbeachculture.com/As far as the more distant future, I am looking forward to deepening my understanding of the various aspects of art from creation to curation as I continue to build my art business and grow my connections in the local art scene and beyond.
Heather Bergstrom’s kind personality and infectious passion for art makes me want to dabble in art again. Even if it is basic water color. As a poet, I can empathize with her ability to let her art serve as a catharsis in times of trouble and still find “gifts” in everyday experiences. It is always so refreshing to know of someone’s backstory, especially with artists as it makes you appreciate their work so much more. If you are looking for art “with heart” you will definitely enjoy Bergstrom’s talent for detail and “story” in every one of her pieces. Treat yourself to some new art or get inspired – she’s just a click away. Heather speaks to the “artist” in all of us who wants to share their story and have others gain insight in what she does. It was a pleasure interviewing her!
Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Wellington Community Center, at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will feature a presentation at 10:00 AM by Katherine Wagner-Reiss to help garden lovers understand more about scientific and common names of plants and why names matter.
Katherine Wagner-Reiss is a passionate botanist and accomplished tour guide. With a Certificate in Botany from the prestigious New York Botanical Garden, she generously shares her knowledge as a volunteer tour guide at both the New York Botanical Garden and Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Katherine’s fascination with native plants and their scientific and common names drives her commitment to botanical education. Not only does she impart her expertise through engaging tours, but she also enriches the botanical community through her insightful blogs for the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. Katherine’s dedication to the plant world is evident in her efforts to inspire others and promote environmental awareness.
The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the guest table. To reserve a spot, contact Carol Ralph at: caroltaylorralph@gmail.com.
Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) is pleased to announce their latest art exhibitions “Expressive” currently on display until May 21, and “Visions” shown until July 16 at City Hall, both located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414. For more information please contact: presidentofwas@gmail.com
The exhibition features 70 original artworks by 19 artists including paintings, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and more.
Meet the Artists and Opening Reception and Sale is on Tuesday, April 16, 5-7pm. Enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and People’s Choice Awards.
Ayesha DeLorenzo ⋅ Cynthia George ⋅ Jan Gmitter ⋅ Diane Hodges ⋅ Erica Kyle ⋅
Lou Ann LaBohn ⋅ Shahen Markarian ⋅ Ali Mendoza ⋅ Dinah Mirson ⋅ Susan Mosely ⋅
Susan Oakes ⋅ Leslie Pfeiffer ⋅ Marion Roberts ⋅ Raymonde Talleyrand ⋅ Andrea Vossen
### The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to visual artists of all mediums and art enthusiasts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries and venues, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org or email presidentofwas@gmail.com.
The Wellington Art Society is pleased to host Scott Jeffries as featured Artist and Speaker at their next meeting, 5:30pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414. For more information please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.
If you wonder how he creates his spectacular paintings, Scott Jeffries, who’s been doodling since childhood and still has his grandmother’s paintbox and brushes, will tell you “Don’t be afraid to paint outside the lines.” That describes not just his art but his life. Jeffries has reinvented himself as a professional artist after a series of yet unbroken high school swimming records, being an All Star Division 1 athlete, having a successful legal career as a Public Defender and more.
Jeffries’ art begins with a total absence of sketching or planning, as it blossoms spontaneously into a beautiful melody of faces and shapes that create symphonies of color sometimes spilling over and off the canvas. And he will tell you his lack of a formal art education has allowed him freedom of artistic creativity unencumbered by established norms.
To browse his paintings and learn more about Scott Jeffries please visit www.scottyjart.com, on Instagram @scottart.
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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art.
Who/What: The South Florida Fair is “egg-cited” to announce Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is returning to Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Includes a breakfast buffet, photo opportunities with the bunny, Easter Egg hunts, craft activities and more.
When: Saturday, March 30
8:30-10:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Photos with the Bunny
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Easter Egg Hunt, DJ, activities, crafts and games
Where: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
Admission with breakfast buffet, Meet & Greet and Easter Bunny photos:
$30 for ages 11 and older per person and $15 for children 10 and younger per person
Admission after 10:30 a.m. (does not include breakfast): $10
Tickets: https://www.southfloridafair.com/easter. Online sales are available now and will end on Wednesday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m. The price is the same at the gate.
Tickets that do not include the breakfast will be available for purchase at the gate starting at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event for $10.
Where: Yesteryear Village, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
Other details: Guests should bring their own Easter basket to collect the eggs. The egg hunts begin at 11 a.m. with 1 to 2 year olds followed by 2 to 4 year olds, 5 to 7 year olds, and lastly 8 to 10 year olds. There also will be an Easter bonnet contest for those who bring their own hats. For more information: Call 561-793-0333 or email Lorie Stinson at lorie@southfloridafair.com. Website: www.southfloridafair.com
(West Palm Beach, FL – March 20, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting their biggest annual fundraising event – the Mounts 24th Annual Spring Benefit – at the Garden itself on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The event will raise important funds to support maintaining the Garden’s 20-acre tropical oasis, youth programs, and community outreach.
Mounts is delighted to announce this year’s distinguished Co-Chairs: the renowned fine jewelry designer, Mish Tworkowski, who has garnered a discerning international following for his statement-making designs, and his partner in business and life, Joseph Singer, who sits on the Board of Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden.
“It is an honor to co-chair this year’s Annual Spring Benefit for Mounts Botanical Garden as I am often inspired by the natural and horticultural world in my jewelry designs,” says Mish. “Joseph and I are passionate about the important role botanical gardens and horticulture play in our personal lives, the life of our communities, as well as the overall well-being of the planet. Gardens delight, educate, inspire, and shelter us both emotionally and physically. As we move further into the 21st Century, their importance will continue to grow both as a sanctuary and a classroom.”
Added Joseph: “Since we moved our home and jewelry studio to Palm Beach in 2021, we have grown to love Mounts and the entire staff that supports this incredible institution. We cannot say enough about how lucky we are to have such an outstanding and beautiful resource so close to home.”
“This year, Mounts Botanical Garden embarks on a ground-breaking journey as it begins the process of creating a new Master Plan,” says Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. “The implementation of this plan will make the next several years the most important and transformative moment in the history of Mounts, so we encourage supporters to join us at the Spring Benefit, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Garden’s 25 beautiful display gardens, and take time to chat with members of Mounts’ incredible horticultural team.”
This year’s enchanting Spring Benefit—themed The Florida Garden—will feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and wonderful silent auction that will delight both the inveterate gardener as well as the non-green thumb lovers of beauty. A diverse selection of exotic and must-have items that all come from Florida include:
+ Rare Specimen Orchids donated from the finest orchid growers in Florida
+ A garden consultation with the amazing Mounts Botanical Garden Horticulturalist Joel Crippen.
+A selection of beautiful home and garden items from the finest designers in the Palm Beach region, including Mimi McMakin, Meg Braff, Alessandra Branca, Danielle Rollins, Julia Amory, Mary Mahoney, and Sara McCann, among others.
+ A collection of special plants and shrubs perfect for inside the home or outside in the garden.
+ A special book signing of Palm Beach Living by best-selling author Jennifer Ash Rudick and renowned photographer Nick Mele.
+ A portrait by celebrated lifestyle, fashion, and interior design photographer Nick Mele.
+ A pair of 18k gold and diamond Mish Fine Jewelry earrings.
The Mounts Spring Benefit will feature a return visit by DiVine, a character from Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is heavily dressed in vines and plants, and walks on high stilts so her height is between 7 and 16 feet depending on what she is doing with her hands and legs. Guests can also enjoy Mount’s monumental outdoor sculpture exhibition currently on view through May 12th: ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN, featuring 20 larger-than-life sculptures merging art and nature created by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box.
This year’s benefit invitation was inspired by Mish’s personal collection of vintage Florida post cards. VIP Tickets to attend the Mounts Spring Benefit 2024 are $500 each, and Supporter Tickets are $300. For ticket and sponsorship details, please visit
Heliconia: Randy & Rebecca Doane; Orchid: Edith Dixon; Plumeria: Laurie & Peter Grauer, Callie Baker Holt, Betsy & Paul Shiverick; Hibiscus: Bruce Addison, Merrilyn Bardes, Vicky & Sam Hunt, Diane & Anthony Rutgers; Jasmine: Elizabeth & T. Clark Akers, Deborah & Chuck Barish, Gretta & Jack Curry, Don & Allison Gulbrandsen, Beatrice & Randolph Guthrie, Heather & Patrick Henry, Jane Hill, Melanie & Robert Lawson, Beverly Myers, Deborah & Dennis O’Kain, John & Stephanie Pew, Sandy Smith & Raymond Tollman, Betsy & Wally Turner, Sue & William Wrigley.
Media Sponsor: Palm Beach Illustrated.
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads, and much more. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
Coolinary & The Parched Pig, Ela Curry & Cocktails, Okeechobee Prime Barbecue, Tropical Smokehouse and more coming to West Palm Beach Waterfront Festival
Above: Okeechobee Prime Barbecue
(West Palm Beach, FLA.) – As SunFest celebrates its 40th anniversary, the iconic waterfront festival is elevating the experience with new culinary offerings that promise to satisfy fan cravings. From May 3-5, 2024, downtown West Palm Beach will become a haven of delight, spotlighting an array of flavors from local restaurant stars such as Coolinary & The Parched Pig, Ela Curry & Cocktails, Okeechobee Prime Barbecue, Tropical Smokehouse and more. Each restaurant and chef have received acclaim for being recognized as the “Best of” by The Palm Beach Post. In addition, the James Beard Foundation nominated both Chefs Pushkar Marathe and Rick Mace for “Best Chef: South” in 2023. These fan favorites and more will be available to the public all weekend long.
“This year, SunFest is not just about great music and art; it’s a full sensory experience,” said Dianna Craven, Executive Director of SunFest. “We’re spicing up our 40th anniversary with the flavors of Palm Beach County’s vibrant local cuisine, available to general admission guests or as an upgraded 3-hour all-inclusive VIP culinary experience.”
SunFest’s new, themed dining VIP experiences will be available in The Palm and are designed to offer something unique for everyone, ensuring that our festivalgoers can enjoy their favorite food alongside their favorite musicians.
The festival will kick off on Friday with a showcase of Street Food at The Palm VIP section featuring an eclectic blend of craft beer and wine as well as dishes from Coolinary & The Parched Pig, Draft House Bar and Grille and Ela Curry & Cocktails. This day will allow attendees to embark on a global culinary journey, sampling innovative fusion dishes along with traditional favorites while sampling wines from JaM Cellars and local craft brews from Civic Society Brewing.
“Opening Coolinary and later, The Parched Pig, was just the beginning; being part of SunFest’s 40th anniversary highlights our journey from a beloved local eatery to participating in Palm Beach’s favorite waterfront festival,” said owner and executive chef Tim Lipman. “It’s an honor to celebrate with the community that has embraced us, reflecting our shared history and future in culinary and cultural innovation. This milestone isn’t just a celebration of SunFest’s legacy, but a moment for us to showcase our commitment to excellence and community connection on a grand stage.”
The culinary adventure continues at The Palm VIP section with Saturday’s Barbecue, Bourbon and Beats, featuring a mouth-watering mix from local favorites such as NEVS Barbecue, Okeechobee Prime Barbecue and Tropical Smokehouse. This day will offer savory smoked meats paired with the rich, robust flavors of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, creating a perfect blend of tastes and aromas.
“SunFest is our stage to share the art of BBQ,” said James Beard-nominated Chef Rick Mace, the owner and executive chef of the Tropical Smokehouse. “We’re bringing our A-game to the waterfront, serving up dishes that reflect the soul of our cuisine. It’s about more than just food; it’s a celebration of community and culture.”
Sunday’s Tacos and Tequila event celebrates Cinco de Mayo at The Palm VIP section with a feast prepared by 5 Star Hospitality and Catering. This event promises a lively and flavorful close to the festival, blending the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo with the communal joy of SunFest. And what better way to enhance the festivities than by savoring the smooth and distinctive flavors of Herradura Tequila, renowned for its exceptional quality and rich heritage.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a Culinary Pop-Up VIP Experience for $125 on Friday or $145 on Saturday or Sunday for a three-hour all-inclusive VIP experience along with views of the Ideal Nutrition Stage and VIP amenities all day long. This premium ticket offers an intimate, elevated dining adventure, allowing guests to indulge in local gourmet offerings and signature cocktails. For more information and tickets visit www.sunfest.com/thepalm.
General admission tickets include food options from regional vendor SWARM and local restaurants, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. A floating cocktail barge will also be on the festival grounds featuring DJ’s for SunFest guests over 21.
The lineup for SunFest 2024 includes Nelly, Cole Swindell, Rebelution, Third Eye Blind, Billy Idol, Yung Gravy, The Revivalists, Elle King, Shaggy, Dashboard Confessional, Dylan Scott, and many more! The SunFest 2024 experience will also include the Creative Arts Village, floating barge, VIP culinary experiences and the Sandbar Community Stage powered by the F-150 Lighting.
SunFest is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 21-member board of directors; 21 committees; over 2,100 volunteers; a full-time, year-round staff of 4; and approximately 70 corporate sponsors. SunFest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, through the Division of Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Students and alumni (many now dancing professionally around the world) will come home to perform lead roles
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) — The prestigious Jupiter-based dance school Paris Ballet is gearing up to present two dynamic performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts this spring. Tickets go on sale starting March 21.
An Exciting Mixed Bill will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Rinker Playhouse (701 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach). The performance will feature works in ballet, modern, contemporary, tap, and jazz.
An Incredible Mixed Bill will take place on Sunday, June 2 at 7 p.m. on the Kravis Center’s main stage, featuring selections from renowned ballets including the Don Quixote Suite, excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, La Esmeralda pas de deux, Flames of Paris pas de deux, and the Le Talisman variation.
The two performances will feature stunning performances from the school’s talented roster of students ages 3 to 18. The show will also highlight guest performances by Paris Ballet alumniandPalm Beach County natives, Sebastian Bondar (Boston Ballet 2) and Mario Mery (Ballet West), who now dance professionally, as well as Caelan Gagnon (a pre-professional at The Rock School).
Four seniors, each a strong dancer and longtime student—Endia Banks, Maia DeOreo, Raelin Flanigan, and Isabella Gutierrez—will also perform lead roles before going on to study dance in college.
“These spring performances enable Paris Ballet students to showcase the impressive works that they’ve added to their repertoire while at our school,” said Jean-Hugues Feray, Paris Ballet’s artistic director and founder. “We are also especially excited to welcome Sebastian, Mario, and Caelan. I am so proud of their efforts to chase their dreams and become professionals. I am also deeply proud to see my senior girls perform. It will be bittersweet to watch their final show with Paris Ballet, and it’s such an honor to see their hard work and talents shine. Finally, I want to thank my other incredibly talented and dedicated students who will bring these shows to life!”
A native of France, Feray served as a principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet. With both his school and conservatory, he and his staff focus on teaching ballet in its purest, original French form, in addition to other forms of dance. He is proud to use his skills and talents to teach nationally and internationally, including masterclasses at institutions such as Joffrey Ballet School and Milwaukee Ballet 2 and its school, and serve as a judge for international ballet competitions.
Tickets go on sale March 21 and start at $14. For tickets, call the Kravis Center box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
If You Go (Calendar Listing)
An Exciting Mixed Bill Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024 (7 p.m.) Featuring ballet, modern, contemporary, tap, and jazz Location: The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (The Rinker Playhouse)
An Incredible Mixed Bill
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024 (7 p.m.)
Featuring selections from renowned ballets including the Don Quixote Suite, excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, and more
Location: The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (Dreyfoos Hall/Mainstage)
About the guest performers
Sebastian Bondar (18) is a professional dancer with Boston Ballet 2. He competed at the international Prix De Lausanne competition this year with elite classical coaching. He was one of 44 men globally to participate. He also danced on a full scholarship in the pre-professional 2 division with Houston Ballet. In the past, he won the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) semi-finals (while attending Paris Ballet). He was also selected to compete in the 2021 final round. Bondar began dancing at Paris Ballet as a beginner around age 12.
Caelan Gagnon (15) is a pre-professional dancer with the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. He trained at Paris Ballet from age 7 to 15. He has had numerous scholarships from many international ballet schools, including the Royal Ballet School in London and the National Ballet of Canada. Gagnon was also a finalist at the YAGP each year he participated, after placing in the top three in many semi-finals. While dancing with Paris Ballet last year, he was selected to be in the YAGP final round.
Mario Mery (18) is currently dancing with Ballet West as a trainee on a full scholarship. Before that, he attended the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full-ride scholarship. Mery started dancing at Paris Ballet from age 6 through 17 and placed in the top three at the YAGP semi-finals twice. He was also selected to participate in the finals several times while dancing with Paris Ballet.
Tickets go on sale March 21 and start at $14. For tickets, call the Kravis Center box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
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About Paris Ballet Paris Ballet and Dance was founded in 2009 by Jean-Hugues Feray, a native of France and former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet. Located in Jupiter, Fla., the school offers world-class dance training for students starting at age three. With a stellar reputation for quality, exceptional master classes and top-notch training in ballet, jazz, tap and modern, the school draws 100 students per year from as far as Vero Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Wellington. The school is also home to the prestigious not-for-profit Paris Ballet America, an elite accelerated training program for students preparing for professional dance careers. For more about Paris Ballet and Dance and Paris Ballet America, call (561) 308-8377 or visit parisballetdance.com.
