Mad hatters floated about the model boat pond in Central Park last week in celebration of An Evening at the Water, hosted by the Central Park Conservancy’s Greensward Circle.

Following the theme of the large Alice in Wonderland statue at the north side of the pond, guests came dressed in colorful downs and summery suits looking to celebrate the summer season in the park and enjoyed selections from a tea party–worthy spread: savory puffs, sliders, prosciutto and crackers, and slices of quiche. To add to the festive scene, performers like Patrick Swailes Caldwell roamed the party performing slight of hand magic for guests and juggling bowler hats.

“This is such a great event,” shared Tori Taylor, an attendee at the party. “And for all the time we all spend in Central Park every summer, it’s great to support such a good cause like the Central Park Conservancy." The conservancy uses funds raised from the evening to continue support and upkeep for everything the park offers New Yorkers from keeping the grass in Sheep’s Meadow trimmed to the ponds clean at Harlem Meer. The event was hosted by the Greensward Circle, the Conservancy’s group of young professionals looking to preserve the park through charitable events like this one.

As the sun began to set, guests moved from the northern side of the sailboat pond to Dorrian’s, a venerated dive bar in the Upper East Side, where champagne and wine transitioned to beer and vodka sodas.

[Photos by Darian DiCianno/BFA]

Raquel Ringgold

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