Lovely examples of clothing to purchase from Stage and Nia's Fashion Trend were showcased. The event was sponsored by members of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Rose of Lima.
The day of fun and fashion started early for participating models with hair styling and makeup at 8 a.m. at Silhouette Hair Dressing. Tracie Johnson and her daughter, Jolee Larrabee, donated their time, product and expertise to prepare the models for the runway.
Tables were set for dining at noon in the volunteer hall at the church, and raffle and door prize tables displayed items to be won in the drawings. Red and pink hearts and flowers decorated the room.
Confirmation students from St. Rose of Lima Church donated their time to serve a Chinese chicken salad lunch and dessert to a room full of spectators.
Elvis (Sam Keir) was in the house to set the mood for fun and entertain the crowd, strutting along the catwalk, singing "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog," "Heartbreak Hotel" and other songs made famous by Elvis Presley.
Carolyn Vessels and Evie Stoxon were announcers for the fashion show and program. Carolyn's niece, Cheryl Ellison, modeled a blouse with a removable necklace over a pair of slacks from Stage that she got for "a song and a dance" at the clearance price of $4.69. Carolyn's outfit was put together with pieces from both Stage and Nia's.
Father Thomas, from Nigeria, modeled native dress unique to his tribe that his father, the chieftain, would wear. The particular designs in the fabric symbolize upper class, or the fact that one "has arrived." To receive a gift of such clothing is a compliment and a sign of acceptance, according to Father Thomas.
Erica Bryant, a Stage employee, Chelsea Winsor, Kaitlyn Humphrey, Raegan Blake, Kimberly Tellez and her 2-year-old daughter, Julia, modeled clothing from Stage.
Shania Yencsch, the daughter of Jolie Yencsch who owns Nia's Fashion Trend, modeled clothing from the store, along with Marlene Gersitz, and Peggy and Taylor Hollowell.
To interject some comedy into the show, Connie Ciancimino modeled original creations of her own. Her first outfit was a broomstick skirt complete with brooms "to sweep you off your feet." Her second outfit was a "ball gown" with a 12- carrot necklace.
Carl and Carolyn Vessels entertained the crowd. Carl read hum-orous poetry entitled "If My Nose Ran Money, I Would Blow It All On You" as the "Squeakin' Deacon." Carolyn brought the house down with her rendition of a stand-up routine done to "She's Got You" by Patsy Cline.
Father Thomas modeled a second outfit that young men might wear in Nigeria to attract young women. The message the clothing sends is that one has a lot of money.
Chairperson Carolyn said she had no inclination that the event ould be so well attended. "The response far exceeded any expectations," she said. She hopes it becomes a yearly event.
All proceeds from the day help fund scholarships for local students and other humanitarian projects.