2009-10-29

Medina Lake Damsels celebrate with Halloween extravaganza

By Ann Young

The clouds cleared in time Tuesday, Oct. 20, for the Damsels of Medina Lake Halloween Treat Fashion Extravaganza held at the home of hostess Helen Franks.

Assisted by Sharon Sloan, Franks provided entertainment with a Halloween theme. Greeted by live mannequin models, including Dorothy with Toto, Barbie and a pirate, among others, guests enjoyed a potluck luncheon and shopping at booths from various vendors.

The entertainment also included a fun fashion show produced by Ann T. Young, artistic director of Theater in the Woods. Karen Ripley, Brittney Willis and Gwen Smith opened the show as stylishly dressed witches dripping with rare jewelry from Reservation Indian Arts and Crafts.

Performers with the children’s acting troupe from Theater in the Woods were transformed into magical fairies in finery from Los Marbles in Lakehills. Troupe members included Emma Gowan, Noni Hilliard, Rachel James, Rebecca James, Brandon Myhre, MacKenzie Myhr and Ashley Vaughan.

Designs in leathers and natural materials by Merry Langlinais were modeled by Patrice Voss, Debby Bussey, Kathy Bates and Barbara Arredondo. A Monster Mash scene featured “mad scientist” Brandon Myhre and introduced Genevieve Moderelli and Ann Dale in colorful fashions from Shoe Biz and exquisite jewelry from Green Bull in Boerne.

Shawn Beach, owner of Boerne’s Calamity Jane’s Trading Co., provided models and the latest Double-D Ranchwear and unique accessories, while Rise’ Lyman and Helle Knudsen hit the catwalk in elegant fashions from Knudsen’s Sheepskin Leather Boutique at Los Patios.

Participating in a costume preview were gorgeous pirate Michele Reichle, Ashley Vaughn as Red Riding Hood with “wolf” Brandon Myhre, flashy she-devil Kim Vaughan, Southern belle Barbara Brischetto; and Courtney Barkley as a a bejeweled Marilyn Monroe.

Elm Creek Casuals offered a salute to nautical fashions and affordable jackets for fall while Gunslinger’s of Bandera ended the style portion of the show with over-the-top upscale Western wear and hats and a mock gunfight.

A performance of “Thriller” concluded the fabulous Halloween treat for the Damsels of Medina Lake.