Amarillo Botanical Gardens hosting annual Mad Hatters Ball Saturday

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
·2 min read

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens will host its annual Mad Hatters Ball Saturday, Mar. 23 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Gardens located at 1400 Streit Drive.

The event will include all of the crowd favorites including music provided by a local DJ, an open bar sponsored by Reed Beverage, a costume contest, a live auction and more. This year, according to ABG director Greg Lusk, they have "stepped up" their food options, which will be catered by Girasol Café & Bakery.

"We are excited there will be a couple hundred attendees, a silent auction, great decorations. Our Friends of the Garden fundraising group has taken over more this year and taking the reins in getting items for the auction, and the footwork, and so it'll be everything everyone knows and love but with an added touch and were just excited for everyone to come out and see," Lusk said.

Guests dressed in Lewis Carrol-inspired outfits attend last year's Amarillo Botanical Gardens Mad Hatters Ball.
Guests dressed in Lewis Carrol-inspired outfits attend last year's Amarillo Botanical Gardens Mad Hatters Ball.
A couple shows off their costumes during last year's Mad Hatters Ball held at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
A couple shows off their costumes during last year's Mad Hatters Ball held at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.

Lusk said the event has become a tradition, originating as a tea party in the garden. It developed the "Mad Hatters" theme from the children's story Alice in Wonderland. And over the years the event has grown into much more than just a tea party, moving indoors due to weather, and it now includes an evening for all to dress up in their "Maddest" outfits, with participants having a good time dancing, mingling, and enjoying the beauty of the gardens.

One crowd favorite at the event is the annual "Maddest Hatter" costume contest featuring playing card soldiers, the hookah worm, Alice, the white Rabbit, Tweedledee with Tweedledumb, and of course the Mad Hatters.

"It's the perfect time to try something new. You have the freedom to dress up and be who you want, but because there is a theme there is some structure so you don't feel left out. So many participate each year, it gives adults that opportunity to be a kid again and dress up. Some of the costumes are so elaborate, and there are some like me who are just going to be a playing card this year. Either way we will all have a good time," Lusk said.

The King of Hearts looks over the craps table at the Mad Hatters' Ball at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, last year.
The King of Hearts looks over the craps table at the Mad Hatters' Ball at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, last year.
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens will once again feature a silent auction at their annual Mad Hatters Ball, set for 7 to 11 p.m. Mar. 23.
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens will once again feature a silent auction at their annual Mad Hatters Ball, set for 7 to 11 p.m. Mar. 23.

Organizers said this year's fundraiser is a great way for community members to become involved with the gardens or just enjoy a night out. The funds raised during the Mad Hatters Ball benefits the ABG as they exit the winter months and prepare for the upcoming spring season.

"We do these events to raise funds so we can stay open to continue to provide a beautiful garden for residents and and educate community members young and old," Lusk added.

Tickets to the Mad Hatters Ball are $75 per person or $600 per table. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mad-hatters-ball-tickets-805886106037 or by calling the Gardens at (806) 352-6513

For more information about the Gardens visit them online at https://amarillobotanicalgardens.org/ or follow their social media accounts.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Botanical Gardens hosting annual Mad Hatters Ball Saturday