By Robin GOLDSWORTHY
Twinkle lights, delicious food and wine, beautiful music and some fabulous auction items greeted ticketholders to the Nov. 5 Wine and Roses evening hosted by the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. (LCFTRA). The gala evening, held on the patio of the Flintridge Riding Club, was a fundraiser benefiting the LCFTRA with all money raised earmarked to building the city’s float for the 2023 Rose Parade.
Upon entering the courtyard of the Flintridge Riding Club, which was decorated with twinkle lights that added a magical charm to the festivities, guests were greeted by the music of the La Cañada High School string quartet. Several food stations were set up, provided by Roe Fusion Catering, and tastings were available from wineries Boisset Collection, Cardinal Rule, One Hope Winery and LeVigne Winery.
LCFTRA President Ernest Koeppen has been involved with the non-profit for 23 years. He explained that people don’t know the commitment of those dedicated to LCFTRA.
“People are surprised to learn that we start working on the next year’s entry on Jan. 7,” he said. “Many folks seem to think that we don’t start until the fall but we’re working behind the scenes right after the Parade is over.”
Like many non-profits, COVID hit the organization hard but the members decided to take advantage of the situation.
“We focused a lot on maintenance,” Koeppen said. “We rebuilt the chassis of the float, which is reused year after year. It’ll now live on another 20 years.”
Koeppen estimates that between $130,000 and $150,000 is raised by the LCFTRA each year in order to have an award-winning float in the Tournament of Roses Parade and acknowledges that more money equals more decorations on the entry.
The Wine and Roses event was just one of several fundraisers held to raise that money.
Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the 2023 Royal Court and the La Cañada Flintridge Royal Court.
A live auction emceed by the lively duo of Chris Erskine and John Cervenka included grandstand seats to the big event on Jan. 1, tickets to the Rose Bowl game and tailgate party and the chance to decide on the license plate on the satellite float.