THROWING IT BACK TO COCKTAILS 

AT THE CASTLE

I hope everyone had a fun and festive Independence Day yesterday. With the Summer Solstice on June 21, we are now officially into summer, however, I prefer to mark summer’s beginning in May with Memorial Day.  That seems to be when we first begin taking advantage of the warmer weather, and heading outside to play. It’s also when my summer events head into full swing, and the fun parties and festivities begin. 

Our Greeters at the entrance to the ASI.

What a fun group!

The obligatory photo of Selma.

One of my favorite early summer parties is the first of two Cocktails at the Castle events that take place each year at the American Swedish Institute. The ASI has been hosting these events for six years now, usually in May and September, and I have been to all of them except the very first one. They have become some of my favorite events of the summer.

The beautiful Turnblad Castle

Something is lurking above the clock.

Twinning!

This year the first Cocktails event was held on June first, and as usual, was a lot of fun. I always put together a group of friends to attend the evening, and this year was no exception. My friends Cliff, Carla, Michael, and Garrett joined me that night, and I’m going to take advantage of this “Throwback Thursday” to revisit it.

Killing the serpent swan.

Never turn down a photo opportunity!

These evenings often coincide with exhibits that are featured at the ASI, and this event featured “The Fantastical Worlds Of Kim Simonsson” which was both eerie and amazing all at once.

Obligatory photo of the horse head.

The Swedish Calvary in town.

Simonsson, whose work has been displayed around the world, hails from Fiskars, Finland. His wonderful, yet sometimes disturbing, creations are crafted in ceramic and depict life-sized children and animals, which are described as evoking a fairytale-like world. As it turns out, the Turnblad home is an ideal setting for this exhibit, as these fanciful creatures pop up throughout the rooms of the Chateauesque mansion that is the central building of the cultural center.

This is from Simonsson's latest project, "Tales of the Moss People."

Musician Tiny Tim perhaps?

Yes, that is a real snake around his neck.

Garrett channeling his inner Tomte.

In addition to the art exhibit, Cocktails at the Castle also provides live music all night long on outdoor stages throughout the grounds, with a DJ spinning inside the Visitor’s Center. Guests are treated to activities throughout the mansion, including craft projects and scavenger hunts to name few, but the fun doesn’t stop there. As visitors venture outside they are greeted by light shows, a variety of entertainers, video projections on the wall of the castle, and an array of beverages and delicious food provided by FIKA, the ASI’s restaurant.

Partying with 2000 of your favorite friends.

Our very happy crew!

As usual, it was an amazing and fun evening, and my friends had a great time, especially Carla, Michael, and Garrett, who were attending for the first time. The next Cocktails at the Castle event will be in September, so keep an eye out for the date, as it gets closer.

“The Fantastical Worlds Of Kim Simonsson” continues through July 15, and if you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend that you do.