Colorful lasers danced in the nighttime sky welcoming guests as they arrived to Christmas in the Sky 2012 – Apocalypse WOW: Party Like There’s No Tomorrow at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The theme is a play off the Mayan’s prediction of the end of the world in 2012. The Saturday, Dec. 8th biennial fundraiser for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council was a party to celebrate the end of the world. As patrons exited their car, the ordinary covered walkway had been transformed into dark, ominous green light tunnel. Guests also walked past a giant 8-foot-tall, set of ruby red lips, which was the common theme throughout the evening. Upon entering the building, party-goers were greeted by a larger than life opera singer, which fit the cliche of “It’s not over until the fat lady sings.” Guests moved through sixteen different themed rooms including Let Them Eat Cake, Death By Chocolate, Bombs Away, Apocalypso and Martian Madness. Christmas in the Sky is known for its always-over-the-top auction items, and this year was no exception. Some of the trip locations included Barbados, New York City, Hershey, Pennsylvania, London, Germany complete with a Mercedes to drive for the duration of the trip, Paris, Tokyo, Walt Disney World, Italy and many more.
A team of more than 500 volunteers produces Christmas In The Sky during an 18-month production period. The production of Christmas In The Sky requires an organization comprising 25 separate volunteer committees working throughout the year to secure auction donations and corporate sponsorships, as well as design and create sets, properties, costumes, invitations, food displays, and entertainment venues. All the funds raised at this year’s event directly benefit the programs and offerings of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. This was the biggest Christmas in the Sky to date, with more than $700,000 being raised that evening.
– Mark Crawford
– Photos by Mary Ann Van Osdell and Mark Crawford
The Forum Vice President Hugh Johnson, SRAC Chairman Sandi and Jeffery Kallenberg
Drew Graul, Cassie and Gary Harwell
Russ Friedrich and Dr. Marsha Friedrich, Dee and Rob Cochran
Russell Studdard, Darlene and Kerry Coker
Cam and April McCartney
Tony Gugliuzza, Kathy Trottier
Corine Ambler, Karen Barnes, Karen Wissing, Johnnye Kennon
Mary Louise Stansell, Debbie Garrison, Chris Stansell
Gloria Haskin, Gary Knippers, Chris Keenan
Lindsey Brown, Darla Coile, Mary Garner
