Saturday evening’s event under the big white tent in the Webster Bank parking lot celebrated fall fashion with local models and announced West Hartford’s ‘Best Of’ campaign.

By Ronni Newton

Nearly 150 people gathered under a tent on a balmy September evening to celebrate the fall season’s hottest fashions as well as the launch of We-Ha.com and the Terrific Teens/Palette issue of West Hartford Magazine.

Models from the community – including Webster Bank Manager and Town Council member Judy Casperson, Fleet Feet co-owner Stephanie Blozy, St. Brigid School Principal Shevon Hickey, and Jos. A. Bank Manager Matt Banever [Editor’s note: I modeled, too!] – owned the Oriental rug runway (courtesy of Kaoud) decked out fashions from West Hartford retailers. Merchandise from BK&Co., Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs, Exclusive Furs, Jos. A. Bank, and Dressed to the Nines was featured in the fashion show.

West Hartford Center Business Association President and BK&Co. co-owner Barbara Karsky served as emcee for the evening while BK&Co. co-owner Karen Herbert shepherded the models.

The event also raised money for The Town That Cares Fund, with $5 from each ticket purchased plus $145 in additional donations supporting the local charity.

We already “have it all in West Hartford,” with one exception: It’s about time for the West Hartford community to have its own “best of,” and WHMedia Publisher Tom Hickey announced the upcoming promotion at Saturday night’s event.

Unlike other “best of’s,” this will not be based on who stuffs the ballot box and how much an advertiser spends. “Best of We-Ha 2015” will be based on how the community votes. An editorial board representative of the community will tally the votes and make judgment calls as needed.

Voting will likely begin in January 2015 in a variety of categories, culminating with a gala celebration in July 2015. Six title sponsors have already signed on, including Bouvier Insurance, Cunningham Supply, Doctors Express, Jeff Hodges Landscape, Mercy Community Health, and Lux Bond & Green. Other sponsorship opportunities will be available.

Eleven teens represented five West Hartford high schools in the current issue of West Hartford Magazine, and although most are off at college or other adventures and could not attend, many of their parents celebrated the magazine’s publication Saturday night. Each teen’s story will be featured on We-Ha.com, but to see the flip book of the entire magazine, click here.

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