MOSSEL BAY NEWS - When the curfew and various lockdown levels are over it will be high time - and highly appropriate - to have a masked ball in Mossel Bay.
People will be so used to wearing anti-Covid-19 masks that they can wear that type of mask, otherwise something different. One would have to take one's anti-Covid-19 mask off to eat or drink.
The mayoral ball, held in the town hall, is a highlight of the Mossel Bay calendar every year. The Rauch Gertenbach annual winter ball is also a glamorous event.
When Rauch Gertenbach's Basson Piek was approached about the idea of a masked ball, he was keen and thought it would be a good idea.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser also broached the subject of a masked ball with the mayor's office.
End of October
Municipal spokesperson Nickey le Roux responded to the enquiry, saying the municipality was planning the mayoral ball for the end of October.
Le Roux noted that the council was in recess during the lockdown, but the proposal would be submitted to the ball organisers for consideration.
She also said: "The municipality has been working for some time under the leadership of the Local Economic Development manager, Gwynne Harding, on plans and projects to stimulate the economy and get business back on track after the lockdown.
"One of the initiatives is a group of enthusiastic residents who are looking at how community festivals and gatherings may be used to promote greater group cohesion and boost the economy."
Le Roux said: "The Advertiser's question was passed to this group and the enthusiastic answer is that the venue, the catering, the people, and the mindset exist to make a success of such a proposal and plans for something similar are quite advanced in this regard."
She said the "something similar" being considered was a "long-table festival", where small caterers could sell their traditional foods, with festival goers seated at a long table and eating what they had bought - all down one of the main streets in town, such as Marsh Street.
"This will allow smaller businesses and the informal food trade to serve their cultural food at a nominal price." Le Roux remarked that it could be a way of the town celebrating the end of the lockdown.
Much eating
Well, maybe not a Covid-19 mask, but another type of mask could be worn to this occasion, because it sounds as if much eating will take place.
Mossel Bay party organiser, Sandra Stockigt, also had some inspiring ideas for a post-lockdown ball. She owns a company supplying party items.
Stockigt is certainly one for symbolism and meaning when she organises special events.
She insisted: "All cloth masks should be in the brightest colours for we are strong and survivors during a dark, difficult time.
"They can be decorated with flowers and small bells - the flowers as proof that we, now more than ever, appreciate the small things in life and the bells as proof that we are alive and missing the everyday noises that we took for granted before lockdown, such as the breaking of waves."
Formal outfits
Stockigt said: "Glamorous formal outfits should be worn to complement our masks, for we have worn tracksuits and pyjamas for such a long time. No make-up and ponytails have been the order of the day.
"There should be home-brewed drinks and homemade breads and cuisine to show we are capable of quality catering and have not forgotten our roots.
"Lighting for the venue should be red and blue to show that our frontline workers, doctors, nurses, all other hospital staff, traffic and policemen and women are there for our safety and protection 24/7."
Stockigt said the music should include all genres because "as a nation we stand together, but the most important song played will be I want to break free by Freddie Mercury and Queen".
She said: "Cocktail tables should be used, with no seating order, so guests can mingle and enjoy the small talk that we missed during the lockdown. The venue should be decorated with as many balloons in the brightest colours possible."
"Balloons are a must," says party organiser Sandra Stockigt. These are her suggestions.
"Balloons are a must," says party organiser Sandra Stockigt. These are her suggestions.
Fancy masks such as these could be worn.
Fancy masks such as this could be worn.
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