‘FABULOUS AT FIFTY’

By SHELBY SCHROEDER

Guests celebrate at Riverside garden benefit

Proceeds from the gala help fund the park’s master plan.

YOUNGSTOWN — Looking ahead, garden enthusiasts celebrated the golden year of a local gem.

Guests in suits and summer dresses spanned the lawn for food, art, entertainment and charity Friday night at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park.

The garden’s annual party was titled “Fabulous at Fifty,” to commemorate 50 years of rolling green hills, vast and eccentric plants, and sweeping city views.

“[The] Gardens are such an important part of Youngstown,” said guest Barbara Brothers of the North Side. She and her husband, Lawrence Haims, have long been fans of the park, spending three hours touring the trails and pathways Friday.

“We have such a treat here to be thankful for,” Brothers said.

Depending on the seat, tickets for the event were either $75 or $125 each, with proceeds going to help fund Mill Creek Park’s recently released master plan.

The plan would upgrade entrances to the park, improve the gardens, increase pathways, create new signs, and provide a richer experience for guests, among other goals.

Entering the event, guests strolled down a lane of foliage to view photographs of the park’s gradual development.

It was in 1958 when Elizabeth Fellows died, donating the land and a financial trust dedicated to creating the public garden.

“It’s nice to see the pictures, as far as the park has progressed through the years,” said Jan Craisky of North Lima.

The Sheet & Tube Brass Quartet added to the Gatsby appeal of the event, with soft tunes to accompany the garden’s sweet floral scents.

Visitors said the clear and cozy weather was an added bonus of the night.

“Being in the twilight and having that come over the gardens is just beautiful,” said Janet Yaniglows of Liberty. “This is the perfect place to be on a summer night.”

Guests strolled toward the north terrace of the park, which overlooks the city, for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and conversation.

After drinks, they would attend a colorful supper prepared by the Saratoga Restaurant of Warren. There, organizers unveiled a commissioned painting by California artist Gary Bukovnik. The large floral watercolor complements other pieces of his work, currently displayed at the Weller Gallery at the gardens.

Arlene Lanz, event coordinator, said that previous garden parties have brought in as much as $30,000 in donations.

Though she wouldn’t estimate the proceeds for the evening, she said she was satisfied with the turnout.

Guests, such as Marianne Nissen of Warren, were delighted by the evening’s gathering as well.

“We’re at the best and most beautiful of fundraisers,” she said. “This is one not to miss.”