‘Caribbean Getaway’ perfect destination
for AMSP Wine, Wings & Winnings
May 14, 2014
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
You’ll feel the ocean breeze and embrace the culture of the Caribbean while you enjoy the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula Calypso style Annual Wine, Wings & Winnings casino night!
The celebration will be held at the museum at the world famous Santa Paula Airport.
At this May 17 “Caribbean Getaway” you’ll be able to “Ride and wistle” (an old Jamaican saying that means being able to do more than one thing at a time) by enjoying the many different cultures, food and dress and even gambling of the Caribbean islands!
Reserved tickets are only $40 per person or $50 at the gate, a bargain for a night of Caribbean themed food, games of chance, handcrafted beers, premium wines and spicy salsa tastings from Santa Paula Salsa Co./Red Hot Foods.
Each guest will receive a collectable souvenir wine glass, drink ticket, $500 funny money for the Casino, and a private bidder number for the Silent Auction. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the gaming tables will open at 7:30 p.m.
“We try to do something different each year,” said Judy McCarthy of the Aviation Museum who organizes the annual Wine, Wings & Winnings events.
“We made a couple of changes in our Casino Night that are exciting, we’re doing a Big Wheel and adding a table for Caribbean Poker,” among other games where guests will either win big on their initial stake of funny money or be able to purchase more if Luck is not a Lady that night.
Guests will be able to try their hand at craps, poker and roulette or challenge “Our Santa Paula Famous dealers” including Don Johnson, Don Tello, Bob Orlando, Linda Bartleson, Barbara Kroon and Fire Chief Rick Araiza at blackjack.
Said McCarthy, “Gamblers could win one of the three trips to Las Vegas to be drawn at the end of the night,” after they turn in their chips for drawing tickets.
And, “He or she who has the most tickets at the end of the night has the best odds of winning!”
But everyone can go home with something, as “Our famous eclectic Silent Auction will not disappoint!”
McCarthy said the evening of fun has presented some creative solutions: “The challenge of course is to come up with a menu that everyone will enjoy... Caribbean food can be very spicy and although we’ll do some traditional dishes we’ll dial back on the spices.
“We’ve been doing some research and a friend that just returned from the Caribbean is giving us advice,” on the menu and other aspects of the celebration but McCarthy said for the most part thinking color was important.
“Our tablecloths will be bright colors, red, yellow and teal to give it some Caribbean life, we’ll be playing some steel drum music in the background... it will be a lot of fun!”
People can come as they are most comfortable but McCarthy is hoping some will attend in traditional dress including that traditional tourist garb of flip-flops and flowered shirts.
“I might consider dreadlocks!” she noted.
The poster was created by Wendell Dowling: “We started talking about Jimmy Buffet being a pilot, he has a gorgeous seaplane, and Wendell is so creative, he got this vision for our poster... all of Wendell’s posters look more like true artwork.”
The museum is still accepting donations of silent auction items and offering sponsorship opportunities: contact McCarthy at 805/443-2883 or email judy2atszp@yahoo.com for more information.
For reservations contact Marikay Lindstrom 805-525-1321 or at flyhimk@gmail.com
MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards will be accepted.
All proceeds of the event benefit the nonprofit Aviation Museum of Santa Paula, located at 800 E. Santa Maria St.
Follow the signage for event parking.
