Personally, I had never been a participant in a 'Progressive Dinner'. For those who might not know what this is, it's an event where you go from one place to another and at each destination you eat a portion of an overall dinner...a moveable feast as Ron C. puts it. You also hang out and talk with the other dinner guests, drink libations and wander back for seconds. Then you proceed to the next place/course. Ultimately, 5-6 hours later, you've consumed an entire four to more course meal. From my husband, David's point of view, "Diane, this is how you eat anyway, grazing through your day!" So yes, for me, this was a perfect event.

The theme of the dinner was 'The 50's'. Our gracious hosts, Glenda and Gary A., welcomed everyone at the Kmart parking lot as our starting point. About 40 people showed up. Some people came dressed up ready to rock and roll. Dave and I felt lucky as we were to be chauffeured around in Gary and Emilie R.'s '41 Caddy. Speaking of classics, now that is a fun, classy car to ride in. Of course, Gary's warning about the car having overheating problems only led to the 'thrill' of the ride. It was sort of like living on the edge! But, let's get back to the feast.

Glenda handed out itinerary envelopes creatively sealed with a pack of gum so we could all authentically 'chomp' our way back to the 50s. We loaded up into our cars ready for the adventure. Gary decided to heck with directions, we'd follow Dan and Nikki''s Bel Air which was behind Dave and Sue G.'s '57 Vette. Real men don't need directions, right!? So we ended up with other cars that fell into line behind us. Hopefully, Dave knew where he was going!

We arrived at our first stop without mishap - Karen and Landon S.'s home for hors d' oeuvres. Rock and roll music and Landon, looking cool in his shades, welcomed us. After finding a place to set up our chairs, we got in line to fill our plates. Deviled eggs, mini open-faced sandwiches, crackers, guacamole and veggies were set out. With filled plates, some people went out to the deck, some stayed in doors. The 90 degree weather didn't seem so unbearable with the overhead fans and the warm breeze blowing. After about an hour, Glenda announced it was time to head out to the next 'course'.

The next destination took us through the curves of Rattlesnake Road. As we're cruising in the Caddy, Gary offered us insight into one of his car's special features - the 4/40 A/C- 4 windows down driving 40mph. It worked well as long as the car was moving. At stop signs, the reality of the heat made itself known! We made it to our destination - Rick and Margie M.'s - and our second course - salad.

The theme of '50s Rock and Roll' graced the buffet from the plates and napkins to the serving bowls and the tablecloths! Very cool! It was a build-your-own salad with all sorts of goodies. Most of the crowd weaved their way outdoors for the fresh ice tea with a slice of homegrown lemons. The tall pines that loomed overhead shaded the deck, which covered two sides of the hosts' home. There wasn't a bad seat in the house as everyone settled in to enjoy the second course. Then, it was a coordinated effort to load and untangle the parked cars in the driveway and get everyone on their way to the main course.

As on most Roamin Angels' events, someone HAS TO have car troubles. The 'Event Tow-Fairy' chose Dan and Nikki G's '57 Chevy. Luckily, it broke down near Dusty's home. Dusty came out and 'saved the day' by towing the car out of harm's way with his tractor.

The next course took us on a long and winding road. Riding in the Caddy, gave us a glimpse of what it must have been like almost 70 years ago. Emilie and Gary kept us informed about the status of the car NOT overheating. David and I cheered the Caddy on as we relaxed in the spacious backseat as the 4/40 A/C kept us relatively comfortable. Even today, this car beats out even the most modern of cars for comfort and class!

Our next course was a 50's staple, meatloaf! Susan and Steve O's home created a lovely setting with a great view as we dined on yummy meatloaf, potatoes, veggies and rolls. I will say this, meatloaf is a tough one to make and have people be happy. Susan's choice was excellent! I overheard more than one person exclaim about how good it was. I agree! Steve also graciously offered a garage tour. Steve had confided in us that he had spent a couple of days just getting all the gunk off of the garage floors. They sure were clean! When the announcement came for the next course, many diners even left with leftover meatloaf!

It was decided that our foursome would head back to Kmart so we could pick up our truck as the next stop was in Auburn. Unfortunately, David and I weren't going to be able to make the final course. Gary and Emilie dropped us off and we said our good-byes.

The final course was at Terry and Kathy's place in Lake of the Pines. Emilie told me that they had make-your-own ice cream sundaes, which were a yummy finish to the day. Oh and the Caddy? It never did overheat and performed flawlessly.

Thanks to Glenda and Gary for hosting this event and the various cook-hosts for their respective portion. It was a really fun afternoon. David and I enjoyed it immensely! The one thing I will be sure to do next year is to sign up early as this event fills up fast!

Story by Diane B. • Photos by Bev G.

Progressive Planning Committee had a dinner on April 7th at Glenda & Gary's house to plan the event. The list below are the planning committee. Here is a photo of the group at the planning dinner.
Glenda and Gary A.: Event Hosts
Karen and Landon S.: Hors d' oerves
Margie and Rick M.: Salad
Susan and Steve O.: Main Course
Terry and Kathy E.: Dessert

[Top]