When last we visited the Friends of the Conservatory at Volunteer Park, the group was worried about looming financial pressures that might eventually put the squeeze on the near 100-year-old greenhouse as the Seattle’s Parks Department tightens its belt. Those fears never bore fruit and no cutbacks hit the Conservatory directly. This week, the Friends are celebrating with a free night of music, dance and tropical beauty. We’re talking ukulele here, ladies and gentlemen.
Tropical Flower, Volunteer Park Conservatory
Originally uploaded by Aloha Debby
The Friends of the Conservatory’s Luau on the Lawn is Thursday, August 5 from 6 to 9:00 PM. You can RSVP for the event on Facebook here. It’s free but you can also sign up to join the Friends for $40 and get into the special VIP section — and help the Conservatory, of course. Details of the fun, below.
Luau on the Lawn
Thursday August 5th – 6:00 – 9:00 PM
“A Volunteer Park Conservatory Tropical Evening Event”
Wine and hors d’oeuvres for current FOC members – new memberships encouraged!**
Free and open to the public
Polynesian entertainment and greenhouse tours. :
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside this stately 1912 era glasshouse after hours? With all those hanging vines and abundantly blooming flora of every scent & color — from orchid cacti to angel’s trumpets to many types of carnivorous plants- the Friends of the Conservatory are hosting an evening to help you find out!
During one of the rare evening “open” events, the Friends are inviting the public to enjoy this special setting on Thursday, August 5th
Everyone is invited to a dance performance by local hula/Tahitian school Sunshine from Polynesia on the front lawn of the Conservatory at 6:30. There will be a tropical punch to enjoy and you are free to wander through the five luscious rooms of our beautiful Victorian glass Conservatory. Docents will be on hand to help educate and answer questions. As a special treat small tours of the back production greenhouse area will be offered leaving every fifteen minutes.
Budget cuts have put this Seattle icon under threat of closure and right now we want everyone to see what a treasure this building and its collection are to all the citizens of Seattle. This is an event to raise awareness of what is often called the “Crown Jewel” of Capitol Hill. We hope you can stop by!
**Friends of the Conservatory members will enjoy the extra benefit of a member’s only area where they will be treated to the ukulele stylings of local Jazz Musician Casey MacGill, while they are offered wine and hors d’oeuvres. Anyone can become a member and come on in!
