Everybody needs to get all gussied up every now and then. Even our local buildings.

The fairgrounds exhibit hall has, frankly, never looked better than it did last Saturday night. The ladies of the GAAC did a fabulous job of taking that dull and rather homely structure and turning it into an exotic, glamorous spot for all to enjoy at the annual benefit last weekend.

In previous years, there have been Mardi Gras and Monte Carlo themes. Who knows what clever ideas the gang will come up with for next year? And the exhibit hall offered plenty of space and the luxury of extra time to do the decorating.

I got a sneak peak at the cantina and some of the other decorations in place on Friday afternoon and knew it would look great. However, the piece de resistance for me was the magic moment walking in Saturday night to the welcoming glow of hundreds and hundreds of fairy lights in a myriad of colors.

There were lights lining the walkway, festooning the ceiling, wrapping the poles (which, with the addition of fresh greenery, looked like exotic trees) and draped as garlands along the walls.

Factor in the colorful Mexican serapes and sombreros, those breathtaking flowers in gorgeous, warm shades of red, yellow, orange and pink, and all the other eye-catching d\u00E9cor, the wonderful music of Mariachi Band Garibaldi and some flavorful soft drink with a Spanish name – Baratillo, I think – well, it was enough to (almost) make me want to stick a rose between my teeth and say, &uot;Ole!&uot;

It was fun to see the ladies in their fiesta attire. The Bohemian trend of recent seasons with its embroidered and embellished Old World designs, long, full skirts, ethnic jewelry, et al. was a perfect fit for the evening. Once again, the folks from the Beta Sigma Phi service sorority were an absolute boon to putting on the benefit – and it earned them some money for their favorite charities, a win-win situation.

Kudos to all who helped make this yet another successful evening for a great cause – bringing top-quality artistic productions to the Camellia City.

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Wow, is April ever a busy month! Easter is just around the corner and the library will once again bring Super Saturday to you this weekend, courtesy of their innovative children’s librarian complete with an Easter theme, courtesy of their ever-innovative children’s librarian, Jean Bauer.

These sessions are both great fun and a great learning experience for the kids, so check it out if you aren’t already involved.

Another concert in the park is slated for 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, weather permitting. I had to miss last week’s premiere concert, but I’m sure it was a blast.

Both FDA and GHS have upcoming stage productions and I encourage you to support these young performers at both schools. And GHS is holding its second art festival in early May – contact Stacey Edwards at the high school for more information.

Keep supporting the arts in the Camellia City!

Angie Long is Lifestyles reporter for The Greenville Advocate. She can be reached at 382-3111 ext. 132 or via email at angie.long@greenvilleadvocate.com.