A Magical Night In The Park

Imagine an enchanting evening, strolling under the stars in exquisite gardens, while sipping incredible wines and sampling delectable cuisine.  One might believe that an experience of this magnitude would be reserved for an elite getaway, but it’s all happening right here in Tulsa.

On Friday, September 27, The Tulsa Garden Center invites you to The Tasting at Woodward Park, an exclusive fundraising gala benefitting Woodward Park educational programming and beautification, as well as continued restoration of the 100-year-old Snedden Mansion.  This elegant evening begins with valet parking at 7 p.m.  Guests will receive a commemorative wine glass at check-in, and will then discover an array of upscale fare, lavish wines, and fine craft beer at this garden-party styled affair.  Some of Tulsa’s finest restaurants and caterers will be serving at this luxurious event.  Guests will have the opportunity to wander through the historic Tulsa Rose Garden at Woodward Park, enjoy Frosé and desserts in the Linnaeus Teaching Garden, and dance the night away to live music by The Eric Himann Band and Basically Sax. A spectacular fireworks display will top it all off at 9:30 p.m.

Established in 1929, Woodward Park is a genuine treasure in the heart of the city, with over 45 acres of pristine wooded space, and is greatly recognized for its stunning azaleas, tulips, irises, dogwoods, and redbuds. The park’s design was created to provide a horticulture experience for visitors, as well as a greenspace to escape the bustle of city life. The adjoining Rose Garden was developed in 1934, which is now being restored in the aftermath of a Rose Rosette Disease epidemic. The Linnaeus Teaching Garden was completed onsite in 2006, and provides an incredibly vibrant and immersive garden experience.

The much-anticipated Charles Faudree Memorial Pavilion at the top terrace of the Rose Garden was completed this year, and event guests will be treated to a special grand opening celebration of this stately, glorious new addition.

The Tulsa Garden Center’s annual gala event is a vital fundraising effort to preserve these incredible assets to our city. Their mission is to uphold its history while providing horticultural education opportunities as Tulsa horticultural headquarters.

Event planner and Woodward Park Board Member, Mary Fencl, is honored to return this year to ensure the evening is most memorable. “The Tulsa Garden Center is really the best advocate for the park, and this event is our biggest annual fundraiser,” she said. “This is a wonderful event; one which Tulsans have enjoyed for years. This year we’ve reconfigured the layout some to make it as intimate as possible, and as perfect as possible for our lovely patrons who support this worthy cause.”  In previous years, this opulent occasion was known as An Evening of Wine and Roses.  Tulsa Garden Center Events Director, Cristen Burdell, looks forward to this year as event ambassador. “This is not only an opportunity to raise funding for the park, but to educate and inform the public of the role of this Tulsa gem,” said Cristen.  “Woodward Park is special in so many ways.”

Committee members, Diane and Chris Riley, of Riley’s Wine and Spirits and Event Center, are charged with coordination of wine and beer vendors, as well as entertainment. “This is one of my favorite events and venues in the city,” Diane said. “Helping the Tulsa Garden Center through this fundraiser is a wonderful way to give back to Tulsa.”

Tickets for The Tasting include Tulsa Garden Center discounts and are limited to the first 400 guests.  Attendees must be 21 years or older.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with remarkable benefits. For more information, visit their website at www.tulsagardencenter.com/the-tasting,  call (918) 576-5155, or email eat0@eau0eav0eaw0.