It was a perfect October night—cool, but not cold, with all the energy and optimism of a Thursday night of a football weekend in Oxford. Lights in the trees, wildflowers on the farm tables, music in the air, a cocktail in the hand: it was the first annual Harvest Supper on the grounds of Rowan Oak, presented by the Friends of the Museum.
Catered by star-on-the-rise chef Elizabeth Heiskell, the serving tables were bountiful with delectable seasonal dishes, each better than the last, and all prepared with local produce donated by nearby Woodson Ridge Farm. Candlelight and jazz by Alphonso Sanders & Friends warmed the night air. It was a wonderful celebration of the Museum and its new director, Robert Saarnio, and of friends from Oxford, from around Mississippi, and beyond.
“It was a magical night … Everyone had a fabulous time enjoying Rowan Oak in such a rare and intimate way, all while raising important funds for the Museum.”
—Friends president, Dorothy Howorth
But the star of the evening was Rowan Oak. Enjoying a drink and hors d’oeuvres on the front lawn, where Mr. Faulkner served his guests cocktails and dined on the side lawns, where he frequently entertained, Harvest Supper guests developed a new and even more personal affection for this beloved landmark.
“It was a magical night,” says Friends president, Dorothy Howorth. “Everyone had a fabulous time enjoying Rowan Oak in such a rare and intimate way, all while raising important funds for the Museum. People keep asking me when we’re going to do it again!” And, in fact, the second annual Harvest Supper will be on October 10, 2013, so mark your calendars.
Tickets will be available from the Museum in mid-September. As before, proceeds from the 2013 Harvest Supper will support education, exhibitions, and acquisitions at the University Museum and Historic Houses. Details will be posted on the Friends’ page at museum.olemiss.edu/friends.
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