THE CROWD:

They called it “100 Years of Christmas Cheer.” Members and guests of the Center Stage Chapter of the Guilds supporting the Orange County Performing Arts Center came together to celebrate the holidays in grand style. The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, Corona del Mar, welcomed the black-tie crowd for a holiday feast centered on a viewing of the spectacular Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. The upbeat crowd braved the winter chill on the outside terrace of the yacht club singing holiday tunes as the boats passed by showing off their Christmas lights; some simple and others sensational.

Inside, the yacht club’s culinary team prepared a gourmet Christmas buffet, the centerpiece being a carved prime rib. Also prepared for the Center Stage crowd was a selection of grilled chicken, pork medallions and fresh salmon with mussel saffron sauce.

The club was decorated with thousands of twinkling white lights with the addition of holiday carolers dressed in Victorian costumes adding merriment to the evening.

Corky Lunsford and Ilana Richmond co-chaired the boat parade dinner party for Center Stage. They were assisted by a hardworking committee that included Louise Costa, Margie Lord, Rita McPhail, Marilyn Rehberger, Lou Romano, Barbara Sullivan, Virginia Vandagriff, and Rebecca Wright.

This annual fundraising event will add to the generous donation of Center Stage to the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.