by Lori Murphy

What do you get when you mix beautiful weather, Four Unplugged, a polo match, great tailgating, talented artists and spirited party goers? The answer is fun … and help for important post-Katrina community causes.

The Katrina Cup on October 30 was a great success, raising charity dollars and getting us away from our rakes and hammers for a rewarding afternoon. On behalf of the group that worked to pull everything together, I want to thank John Melton for sharing his beautiful farm, the Folsom Equestrian Center. Watching some first-class polo was an unforgettable experience. It didn’t hurt that the Inside Northside team won! The Land Rover team, sponsored by the Paretti dealerships, played hard and made some excellent runs. (If you are interested in learning to play this “game of kings,” call the center at 796-8080 for information on lessons and a schedule of upcoming matches.)

Works by local artists Gretchen Armbruster, Michael Beveridge, Marcia Holmes, Toni Nelson, George Rodrigue, and Phillip Sage garnered silent auction bids. Barlow Art Gallery and Brunner Gallery set up gallery shows of the artists they represent. Just as artful were the Jaguar convertible, Land Rover hot wheels and Nautique speed boats on display.

Jambalaya, Wilberts Bar-B-Que and a huge bake sale were offered by the Hosanna Lutheran Youth Group, complementing the tailgate fare found from one end of the field to the other. CRU served mint juleps and special lemonade, along with champagne, to the thirsty revelers. Tap trucks from Budweiser and Abita flanked the dance floor.

That dance floor was a very busy place as Four Unplugged kept the post-match crowd going. Nobody can make the northshore “trip the light fantastic” like Four Unplugged. Many thanks for keeping our spirits high and happy!

Without the support of corporate and community leaders like Parish National Bank, Champagne Beverage, Abita Brewing Company, NOLA Lending, and the Junior League of Greater Covington, the Katrina Cup wouldn’t have been possible. Its success is just one example of how the northshore community is pulling together for a bright future.

p.s. May your holidays bring you joy—and a peaceful heart.

Copyright 2005, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.