BRENDA GOUGH
NEWS Contributor
A colourful masked ball saw several guests don exquisite face pieces for the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce's 29th annual Fantasy Auction on Saturday night.
Joseph and Susan LaFauci of Paradise Adventure Mini Golf and Fun Park in Parksville (see photo above) were two of the people who really got into the spirit of the Mardi Gras theme. They brought a bag of Fat Tuesday bead necklaces to share with their friends and wore authentic masks the couple has acquired on their world travels.
Susan's exquisite Venetian mask came from Italy, while Joseph's handcrafted one-of-a-kind leather mask was purchased from an artist in Mexico, where he said Mardi Gras is celebrated in a huge way.
The swanky affair included a buffet dinner catered by Spice of Life Catering. There was a distinct New Orleans theme to the dessert plates on every table which had Praline Cheesecake, Creole Fudge Cake and even Buttermilk Beignets.
The live and silent auction items donated by local business members in the community had people digging deep into their pockets for a variety items.
There was some fast and furious live bidding for a seven -night accommodation package at the Beach Club Resort and $1,500 package donated by Quality Foods in Parksville that included a Chinese food dinner for eight and a seasonal floral arrangement once a month for an entire year.
All proceeds from the event go to projects and programs provided by the chamber.