It was another wonderful day in the Nakoma neighborhood for the 30^th annual Tulip Time Progressive Dinner. We began the evening at the home of Don Bastian and Marcia Gevelinger Bastain who graciously welcomed 144 neighbors to their home for hors d’oeuvres. The fifteen various hors d’oeuvres were spectacular—once again by the team of Jayne Mohoney and Dee Kuech who have chaired this task for many years. You two are the best and we are so fortunate to benefit from all your hard work over the years.

Thirty-six homes hosted either salad or the dinner course. Thank you to all the hosts and hostess for feeling comfortable enough to allow (sometimes strangers) into your homes. Hopefully some of you first time Tulip attendees will now be encouraged to try hosting next year.

Thanks to Robert Schwarz who lead the “Food Crew” of Joanna Ivey, Ragen Shaprio, Julie Hostetler, Kristin Churchill and to everyone who helped chop, sauté and assemble the Friday before. The team made preparing Coq Au Vin for 144 seem effortless. Special thanks to the Nitty Gritty for the salad prep, Capital Brewery for the generous donation of the ½ barrel of Island Wheat beer and Steep & Brew for the coffee at dessert.

Petra Kilian Gehring and Mark Gehring hosted the dessert course and entertained us in such a gracious manner. Everyone enjoyed the delicious cakes made by Marilanie Blair Patrick. I see another star rising in cake design for Marilaine’s future!

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped deliver the food on Saturday. The Tulip dinner is an event that relies on several volunteers in many different capacities. The dinner was made up of neighbors who enjoyed getting to know each other better, good food, good times, beautiful homes and lots of laughter. We hope you had as much fun as we did and look forward to next year.