They came by motorcycle, by boat, by airplane, and as a last resort, by automobile, but get here they did for the 4th Annual St. Thomas Bacchanal in Key West.
More than 300 St. Thomians, past and present, gathered together this weekend to create their own carnival. They were serenaded and encouraged by the Mighty Whitey, with echoes of Sparrow coming from down the street. Rumor had it that the Mighty man himself might show up.
No matter. There was more than enough energy being generated here. David Berger left his motorcycle outside to hobnob with old island pals. David and wife Derryle recently moved to Florida. Caribbean Travel was also represented by Jean Hendricks, resplendent in her island jewelry, along with daughter, Brooks Brown. Also representing the travel folks, ex-Antilles Airboats pilot George Hubschman, wife Patty, and their cocker spaniel, "Awesome," plus Jo Tatum and Jack Chapman of All Island Air, Brenda Slosky of Pan Am, and Lynn Thompson and Jackie Wazny also of Antilles Airboats.
"I haven't had so much fun since I was cruise director on a banana boat, " said Henry Wazny darting around the cobbled dance floor at Kelly's Caribbean Bar. Bringing up the old guard along with Henry were Olivia Stanford and the irrepressible Dorothy Vialet cheering Henry on.
Resonant radio voices abounded. Bob and Wendy Noble held court with Harvey and Mitzi Henne, all of Radio One, and Len and Jo Stein of WSTA.
Janie Hoffman, who magnificently orchestrated the whole affair, felt it must have been a success when Carrie Mae Hubschman said on Sunday, the event's last day, "I wonder if we paid extra to have the room spinning around like that this morning."
Votes are being taken for the site of next year's festivities, with locations from Seattle, Wash. to St. Thomas, itself, being mentioned.
