2nd Annual Rhode Island-themed (post) Holiday Extravanganza

They said the 1st Annual Rhode Island-themed Holiday Party could never be topped, but a capacity crowd of 45, hot grease in the kitchen, and a paper-plate-with-construction-paper toupee proved them wrong.

Yes, folks, forty-five strangers - some with connections to that little gem of a state and some not even sure what Rhode Island was - gathered on January 12, 2008 to celebrate, understand, and raise a glass to little Rhody.

And what did they get for their troubles?...

Music

Blossom Dearie carried us through the night our theme song -
Rhode Island is Famous for You (mp3).

Food and Libations

Clamcakes (deep fried caky fritters with a smattering of clams) and Coffee Milk (the official state drink of Rhode Island) shocked and awed attendees. The assortment of native Rhode Island foods was described variously as "charming", "moving", and "Oh, my god, people really eat that stuff!". Party goers provided Boston Baked Beans (the candy), fudge a la Bailey's, and thankfully Legs'n'Eggs - Lauren and Todd's homage the the Foxy Lady's brunch special of the same name.

Entertainment

Rhode Island Bingo

You've never seen a party of grown adults so attend as during Rhode Island bingo. Posters with RI trivia and kitch fdilled the walls for contestants to bone up before the big event. Four across, four down, or four diagonally let you walk away with Newport Lobster Bisque, Block Island Clam Chowder, a sample of Dell's Frozen Lemonade, or (for Wayne), Eclipse Coffee Syrup ("Smack your lips, it's Eclipse.")

The perplexing array of questions included such favorites as:

"A drink made from milk, flavored syrup, and ice cream, other parts of the country call it a frappe. In Rhode Island, we call it a ____."

"Nibbles Woodaway is not a dancer at the Foxy Lady but like that famous establishment can also be found just off Route 95. Where does Nibbles work?"


Pin the Toupee on Buddy

The guest of honor that evening was Providence's former mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci. One time machine politician with young girlfriends and a bad rug, Buddy fell from grace after a conviction on racketeering charges in 2002. Always a popular figure, he returned to Rhode Island from federal prison last year to host a radio show (this time, without the toupee). So for you, Buddy, we brought back the hair.

Contestants were blindfolded, spun around, and left to find Buddy's bald head with a fabulous faux toupee. The heated competition came down a tie-breaker. Sophie, the winner (pictured left) with her patented "Mr. T" look on Buddy) walked away with a classic Mr. Potato Head from RI's own Hasbro toy company.



Thanks to all for attending. The photos (few but proud) made it to Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/23226517@N04/sets/72157603803162766/


Special Thanks to the following people who helped make this possible...

• Tricia - She traveled across country to be there for the party and provided the witty trivia clues for RI bingo as well as the tasteful arrangement of RI facts on throughout the party space. If all that wasn't enough, she also worked her magic on the camera

• Eiko - Our hostess with the mostess who, though unable to attend due to a nasty flu bug, was there in spirit.
• Jen - The dj who brought us started beer and the RI Party theme song.
  
• Sophie - Guest photographer, despite coming straight from her own art show moments before.