CRESTVIEW — The north county’s most elegant community event just got even more elegant thanks to a fortuitous scheduling conflict.
Originally planned for a pavilion on the lawn in front of the Community Center, the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce’s Moonlight and Melodies Wine Gala has had a change of venue.
The Robert F. Sikes Education Center overlooking Twin Hills Park will resound with the music of jazz singer Dr. Cheryl Jones, the tinkly splash of wine pouring into goblets and the burble of residents happily enjoying gourmet cuisine and socializing with friends.
Organizers said Northwest Florida State College enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity to host the annual soiree at its Crestview campus
“The college is really excited to host the Wine Gala there,” event chairwoman Rachel Neighbors of North Okaloosa Medical Center said.
Neighbors said Moonlight and Melodies, which this year is themed “A Taste of France,” will take full advantage of the former Crestview Public Library’s stately Greek revival portico, landscaped multi-level forecourt, elegant foyer and sweeping curved staircase.
The French theme features a toast to the Crestview Area Sister City Program. Displays will include information about Noirmoutier and its 19-year relationship with Crestview, and about upcoming 2015 exchanges between the two communities.
This year, wine will be provided by Epi-Cure Fine Wines and Spirits of Niceville, which will conduct classes in wine culture for the gala’s volunteer sommeliers, Neighbors said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: “A Taste of France” Moonlight & Melodies Wine Gala
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Nov. 1
WHERE: Northwest Florida State College Bob Sikes Education Center, Twin Hills Park
COST: $40 per person
NOTES: Admission includes wine samplings by Epi-Cure Fine Wine & Spirits, live music by jazz vocalist Dr. Cheryl Jones and gourmet food.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: An elegant evening gets an elegant setting