The tables were set, the food was ready, and even an ice sculpture with a picture of Weehawken’s historic water tower made an appearance at the center of a table.
Many months of planning went into the gala for Weehawken’s 150th anniversary that was held last weekend.
“I think we booked this six months ago,” said Eileen Turner, the chair of the organizing committee who is also Mayor Richard Turner’s wife, of how long it took her committee to carefully plan every detail of the event. “We had 420 people. It was wonderful.”
“We had 420 people. It was wonderful.” – Eileen Turner
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“We raised about $15,000 that will go toward some of the 150th anniversary expenses, and the rest will go toward the historical commission,” said Turner.
At the event the Turners, all members of the Town Council, and the gala planning committee, among other distinguished guests and residents.
The approximately five-hour event was held on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Venetian, a banquet hall in Garfield, N.J.
Everyone was dressed elegantly and was first treated to an hour of cocktails which Turner described as “just phenomenal.”
After the hour, crab cakes and other items were part of an array of appetizers. Then dinner included Chilean sea bass, chicken, and Chateaubriand, a meat tenderloin recipe that originated in France.
Guests danced the night away while the DJ played various styles of music and had two plasma screens with visuals to accompany the sounds.
“There was a combination of everything from oldies to current to Latin music,” said Turner.
At the center of one of the tables was an ice sculpture that featured a photograph of one of Weehawken’s best known symbols, the water tower. Denis Finnin provided the photograph featured at the inner center of the sculpture.
Other artwork made by an appearance at the event.
“All the artwork was donated by local artists,” said Turner.
Turner said not a lot of speeches were given, mostly “thank yous” and introductions.
Overall, she said the elegant gala was a success.
“It was such a special year. Everyone got into the spirit of the 150th anniversary,” said Turner. “This was just a beautiful way to finish off 2009. People loved getting dressed up.”
When asked what her favorite part about the event was, Turner responded: “I think the pleasure that the people got. We had people coming up thanking us, what a wonderful job, how wonderful it was. People were really pleased with what we did.”
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com