On Thursday, May 23rd, close to 200 Montgomery County business owners, residents and professionals packed the ballroom at the Blair Mill Inn for the 1st Annual Red Carpet Bash! This star studded night was created to honor and recognize all the nominees, winners and finalists of The Happening List 2013, a peoples choice contest that enabled everyone from Montgomery County to nominate and vote for their favorite people, places, things and events in Montco. From your favorite bartender, to the best networking group, there seemed to be a category for just about everything that makes this county so special.
Below is a list of all the contributors, vendors and participants who helped make our 1st Annual Red Carpet Bash a huge success! Congratulations again to all the nominees, finalists and winners of this years contest. We appreciate everything you do for Montgomery County!!!
The Blair Mill Inn
The Red Carpet Bash 2013 would not have been possible without the amazingly helpful staff and manager at Horsham’s own, Blair Mill Inn. Their banquet facility, which is centrally located in the heart of Montgomery County, has been serving clients for over 30 years now, and it’s easy to see why. On a special night in May, they opened their doors and ballroom to all of the guests of the Happening List Red Carpet Bash. From start to finish, the crew at the Blair Mill Inn could not have been more helpful with putting the night together. From teal colored linens, glassware, lighting and more! The general manager Chris Kane, and his committed staff took care of every request that was thrown at them, and were more than happy to do so! What started as a party drawn on paper in early March, soon transformed into a night to remember thanks to this historic venue. They take immense pride and time in helping to plan the perfect event, and thanks to them, the Red Carpet Bash could not have gone any smoother. Their expertly trained personnel are committed to providing excellence in service, from a warm welcome upon reception, to a professional wait staff, and superior chefs. We could not have been more impressed with their service and venue, or any more thankful for all of their help. They were able to make all of us feel pretty special, and there is no doubt that they will do the same for you! Swing by their fb page at the Blair Mill Inn and “like” to show your support, or check out their website at http://www.blairmillinn.com/ for more information on this beautiful celebration location!
MUSIC
The Really Big Shoe-The Really Big Shoe is a 5 piece band from the Philadelphia area that performs hits from the 1970s and 1980s. They not only play the music, but put on a show to go with it! The bands energy, talent and interaction with the crowd makes them truly unique and beyond entertaining. Montco Happening was honored to have them rock out the crowd at this years Red Carpet Bash. Check out their website at http://www.thereallybigshoe.com/, and stay up to date with all their gigs and appearances by “liking” The Really big Shoe fb page.
*Members Rob Stillman – Lead Vocals, Keyboards/ Joe Beckett – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards/ Nate Connors – Guitar,Vocals/ Ross Trotter – Bass, Vocals/ Gary Sauer – Drums, Vocals
Best of Times Professional DJ’s-Since 1988 Best Of Times Disc Jockeys & Entertainers have been offering professional disc jockey/entertainment, travel agency and video services to the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Best of Times provides more than just a DJ for your event, they provide an experience. Owner John Estrada could not have been more professional at the big bash. Best of Times DJ’s was the first to show up…hours before the event, and the last to leave, truly a testament to John’s attention to detail and dedication to his craft. These positive qualities have helped make his company a household name in the entertainment and travel business in and around Montgomery County. This might also explain why Best of Times Professional DJ’s was voted by you as a finalist winner in the Happening List 2013. If you are planning to host an event this summer, you will be more than impressed with their entire set up, music selection and props! Check out their fb page here, and visit http://www.botdjs.com/ for more information on all their entertainment and travel services.
FOOD
Lochel’s Bakery (Hatboro)-Lochel’s Bakery is a family owned and operated bakery located in Hatboro, PA. They are a full line bakery offering items from danish, donuts, sticky buns to dessert cakes, cupcakes and a variety of occasion cakes! Lochel’s Bakery was this years winner of Best Specialty Cake, along with a finalist win for Best Cupcakes, which all of us got to try at the party! Owner Kathleen Romano Lochel is one of the hardest working individuals we’ve had the pleasure to come across. Her bakery , staff and products are proof of all this hard work. Please help support one of our county’s most impressive small businesses and bakeries! Swing by their new and improved website at http://www.lochelsbakery.com/, and click here to follow Lochel’s Bakery on fb!!!
MaGerk’s Pub & Grill (Fort Washington)-MaGerk’s Pub and Grill is the third venture stemming from two other successful locations in Maryland. This location is a homecoming for the owners who are all from the greater Philadelphia area. MaGerk’s is designed to be a “sports pub with good grub”, and they have been a long time supporter of Montco Happening. In addition to their reputation for great food, their location, drinks, entertainment and atmosphere have also made this local Pub & Grill a neighborhood favorite. Some of MaGerk’s incredibly fun staff was on hand at the Bash to collect their awards, tear up the dance floor and of course to display the food that made this location a multi award winner in the Happening List contest this year. With great happy hours, live music, 30+ tv’s and the recent opening of their outdoor bar and seating area, MaGerk’s is the spot to be for residents in and around the Fort Washington area. Visit their website at http://www.magerks.com/fort-washington, and follow on fb at MaGerk’s Pub & Grill.
Javelin Caterers (Pottstown)-Javelin Caterers is your full service outdoor event planner. Family owned with a tradition of quality for over 30 years. Javelin can handle all your event needs, including finding a location, planning games and activities, and providing the entertainment. Owner Joe DiRoma and Javelin Caterers LLC were voted as Montco’s Best Catering service by you this year! He was also kind enough to contribute an array of food for all our guests at the Red Carpet Bash to enjoy. Javelin Caterers is a great example of small businesses doing great things in our community. If you need any sort of catering for your event this summer, contact Joe and his staff at Javelin Caterers, you won’t find anyone nicer!!! Check out their website for a full list of services, food and displays at http://www.javelincaterers.com/, and keep up with all their latest posts by liking their fb page at Javelin Caterers.
DRINKS
Karamoor Estate Vineyard & Winery (Fort Washington)-Established in 2006 within a 250-acre parcel of Pennsylvania farmland, the Karamoor Estate vineyard is nestled on 17 acres of softly sloping fields. Karamoor Estate is one of the first vineyards in Pennsylvania to be engineered and operated with the production of Eurocentric style dry wines. The vineyard is adjacent to a newly-constructed state-of-the-art winery that opened in the Fall, 2011. Karamoor Estate is part of a Pennsylvania winemaking tradition that is over 325 years old and they are committed to producing wines that reflect the unique character of their vineyard with a respect for old world traditions. With every taste of Karamoor Estate wines you’ll discover their devotion to tradition and commitment to pursue the best vineyard, the best grape-growing methods, and the best winemaking techniques. For all these reasons and more, this vineyard was voted Best Winery in this years Happening List contest, and rightfully so! Special thanks to Victor Ykoruk and the good people at Karamoor Estate Vineyard & Winery for pouring samples of their latest and greatest wines all night! Be sure to follow all of their updates, events and product releases at http://www.KaramoorWines.com/, and on fb at Karamoor Estate Vineyards & Winery.
Iron Abbey Gastro Pub (Horsham)-Winner in the Happening List contest for Best Beer Bar was none other than Horsham’s own Iron Abbey Gastro Pub! Currently pouring 36 beers on draft that change accordingly with season and over 300 bottled beers available, the Iron Abbey serves as a beer enthusiast’s haven. The Abbey’s eclectic menu invites guests to venture into something new or rest assured knowing that they will find some of their all-time favorites listed as an option. A Gastro Pub with both Belgian and English influences, their stature wouldn’t be complete without housing the greatest football, soccer, UFC fights and baseball games. This local hot spot is dedicated to serving our community the best beer around, and we were thrilled to have them at the Red Carpet Bash as a winner, and a vendor! Special thanks to Rui Lucas and all the hard working individuals at Montco’s most happening Beer Bars for serving our guests. Check out the website at http://www.ironabbey.com/, and their fb page at Iron Abbey Gastro Pub.
VENDORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Melissa Aidukas (Women In Social Business Networking-WISBN)-Melissa’s purpose of building the WISBN group was to bring women together from all walks of life so that they could help each other reach their dreams. Her seemingly eternal optimism and willingness to help others is a big part of why the group continues to grow in 2013. Melissa’s work with the women in this community is more than deserving of our support! Be sure to check out the WISBN website, or follow on fb by clicking here!
Meredith Tomasulo (Origami Owl)-“Create a Living Locket” with custom designed charms that tell the story of your life and represent the things you love. Host a jewelry bar or have a catalog party. All these options and more are available from Independent Designer Meredith Tomasulo. Her personality is as nice as her jewelry, and we were so thankful to have her work on display as a vendor at the Red Carpet Bash. Check out her website at www.meredithst.origamiowl.com, fb page at Origami Owl-Meredith Tomasulo, or contact her directly at meredithst@me.com
Anna Servanti (Anna’s Jewelry)-Anna Servati designs jewelry and offers one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces for those that appreciate handcrafted quality at a reasonable price. In addition to original designs, custom ordered designs are welcome. Jewelry repair and redesigning of existing pieces is also available. View some of her designs at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/AnnasJewelryDesigns, or on fb by clicking here.
Beth Malonoski (bcm Art & Photography)-Fine Art, Photography & Creative Services! bcm Art & Photography began as a creative outlet for Beth Malonoski to expand her involvement in the Fine Arts. The company showcases her love for the creative arts, photography and design. Visit http://www.bcmnotes.com/ for a portfolio of work, local art exhibition news, fine art prints and creative services. bcm Art & Photography offers affordable options for small event photography, as well as family & corporate portrait packages. In addition to running a successful local business, Beth was also kind enough to take professional photos of all the winners at the Red Carpet Bash….she was also a winner herself! Her growing business and photographic skill were voted as one of the BEST services in the Happening List 2013 under the scenic/portrait photography category. Beth’s enthusiasm to help capture everyone in their finest threads was one of the greatest parts of the night! Check out bcm’s fb page by clicking here, and reach out to Beth anytime your looking for professional, fun and unique photos!
Red Carpet Bash Photos: http://montco.happeningmag.com/happening-list-bash-sneak-peek/
Order Your High Resolution Pics Here: http://bcmnotes.wordpress.com/montco-happenings-red-carpet-bash-2013/
Centre Square Fire Co. (Blue Bell)-Welcoming guests to the Red Carpet were two of Centre Square Fire Companies finest! Captain Rich Moser and Safety Officer Darren Meyers brought their famously inspiring pink cancer truck out for everyone to sign. This truck has made appearances all over Montgomery County, encouraging anyone who’s interested to sign the truck in show of support for families affected by cancer in our area, and to raise awareness throughout the community. Help support C.S.F.C.’s efforts to raise cancer awareness by following all their services to our county at http://www.csfc33.com/, and on fb at Centre Square Fire Co.. Montco Happening wants to thank them for coming out to meet all our guests on their special night, but more importantly for all the hard work and charitable efforts they provide our county all year round!
102.9 WMGK-The Classic Rock Squad was in attendance to hand out promotional materials to all our guests, but also to receive the award for the John DiBella Dog Walk. This charitable dog walk was voted by you as Best Outdoor Event in Montgomery County. 102.9’s Promotion Director Dan Fein, and Promotion Coordinator Sean Burke were extremely kind to work and talk with. We appreciate the time and resources they spent to help spread the word on our Red Carpet Bash, and for contributing to the nights festivities. Follow WMGK on fb by clicking here, and check out all the stations news and events at http://WMGK.com/.
The Frame Shop of Conshohocken (Framing)-The winner of Montco’s most happening Frame Shop was awarded to Carla Bates, owner of the Frame Shop of Conshohocken. Her custom work speaks for itself, as her style and attention to detail set her products apart from the rest. If you are looking for a custom made, quality frame, check out their work at http://www.theframeshops.com/, and on fb at The Frame Shop of Conshohocken.
A to Z Party Rental (Red Carpet)-It would not have been a Red Carpet Event, without the Red Carpet! Check out everything A to Z Party Rental has in store for your next event or celebration. The staff at A to Z were more than helpful when Montco Happening was looking to rent a red carpet! Their warehouse manager Matt Rueger reached out consistently to make sure that we had exactly what we needed for the party, which is exactly the kind of personal attention that only a great small business can offer! No event is too small or too large for their staff to handle, as they are always happy to accept any challenges presented to them. Great prices, customer service and care! Visit their website for your next party at http://www.atozpartyrental.net/, and on fb at A to Z Party Rentals, Montgomeryville.
Slide Show Presentation
*Thank you to Zack Mentz for putting together this great slide show presentation of all the winners and their locations within Montgomery County! To view the slide show, click here and press play!
Related Red Carpet Article: Happening List Bash Photos!
Check out all the Nominees, Finalists & Winners: The Happening List 2013
Special Thanks To:
Francine Manganell Graglia & the Business Play Group
Sue & Sam Gardy of KickStart Motorcycles
Abbie Newman of Mission Kids
Gravity Hair Salon
Corey Tuccillo
Melissa Cahill
Ryan Hutchinson
Chris Sager
Michael Shaw of I Love Skippack
Tina and Angela Paparone of Bucks Happening