Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/893293
36 WAC Magazine | wac.net Whether it's magnificent balloon sculptures, astonishing holiday lights, or show-stopping food and drink, this year's Jubilee will surprise at every turn. Begin your exploration in the lobby, where a champagne toast calls attention to the true reason for the party—the WAC's anniversary. is December, we start our 88th year. No better reason to say Cheers and Hear! hear! Now the party really begins. Bumping shoulders, saying "hi" to old friends and new acquaintances, recognizing a face across the room but not quite remem- bering their name until … at's right, it's you! So good to see you again! And just like that, you're in the Noble Room, and the food is like nothing you've seen since that trip you took to Nashville … or was it New Orleans? Never mind. Not important. Because right now, at this party, the discussion shis and the Southern fare of Blue Ribbon Cooking steams in front of you as a deejay spins dinner music and the crowd pulses. "At Jubilee, there's a momentum that begins to happen as it gets later and later," Vice President Membership & Marketing Michelle Pinson says. You, of course, know exactly what she means as you leave the Noble Room and slip into the Johnson Lobby Lounge for a turn at the seafood buffet, served with a side of live funk performed by 313 Soul and lead vocalist Darelle Holden. "Surprises are part of the fun," Mi- chelle continues. "We don't want to give too much away. But you can be certain of one thing—keep moving and you're sure to find more than you expect." UPSTAIRS YOU GO A fresh drink, back to the lobby, up the grand staircase, and the party keeps unfolding. Torchy's for dueling pianos served with the culinary inspirations of Peony Kitchen. Hagerty's for a few snaps of the Pac-12 championship game and some New American cuisine. e Meisnest Room for photo portraits. e Heritage Room for a psychic reading. And yes, the Crystal Ballroom for the age-old sport known only as, Come on, baby, mama needs a new pair of shoes! "e Jubilee casino is fueled by the energy of the crowd and the roar of winners," Club Programs Senior Event Manager Robert Laurent says, offering a friendly "cash only" reminder. "It's always a hit. So come ready." Enjoy your turn at blackjack, craps and roulette, but don't forget the rest of the show. Around the Clubhouse, the rooms you visited once are changing. In Hagerty's, football becomes karaoke. In the Johnson Lobby Lounge, a full funk performance has turned up the heat. And back in the Noble Room, dinner music has gone bumping dance party! "Be sure to check out everywhere and everything—twice!" Robert says. THE NIGHT THAT WAS Whatever you do, pace yourself. Jubi- lee is a marathon, not a sprint. "It's a night full of great food and wonderful entertainment," Vice President Food & Beverage Peter Christian says. "As for the food, this year is going to be one our members talk about for a long time." As the night closes, take a moment to breathe it in. is is your WAC, your party, your story … until next year. Tag your photos on Instagram. #jubilee88 @thewacseattle