Wal-Mart Bloomers' Luncheon

In 2008, the Wal*Mart Bloomers Luncheon, which will surely sell out for the 20th consecutive year, and will host approximately 1250 ladies on Friday, May 2 at 11am. The atmosphere has evolved into what is best described as one of the Festival’s most festive and high-spirited events. Singing, dancing, and paying homage to the general revelry of Bloom Week have become its salient features. Festival Organizers have long talked about “good problems to have”. Generally, this refers to the problems generated by having highly successful events with large crowds.

The Bloomers Luncheon certainly fits into the category of a successful event with a large crowd; and, yes, those inevitable “good” problems have followed that success. Long lines and long waits had become familiar conditions at the event. New leadership took over the event rather late in the game in 2006. Just getting their feet wet that first year, they determined to seek out the opinions and suggestions of their ticket-holders at the 2007 Luncheon; and, to use those suggestions as part of the blueprint for overhauling and improving the event in 2008.

So, what’s new for 2008?

• Bowing to economic issues, liability concerns and the overall effort to make the new plan work, the alcoholic beverages at the Bloomers Luncheon will no longer be included in the price of the ticket. Water and iced tea will be served with the meal. All other beverages will have to be purchased at one of the beverage bars. This is a Festival-wide trend.
• To compensate for this change; and, to help ease Bloomers Luncheon fans into the “new era”; for this 20th Anniversary Luncheon, the Festival is running a first-year/one-year special; and, ticket prices have been reduced by the single largest reduction in Festival history from $25 each to $20 each.
• In addition, more bars will be set up; and, more bartenders have been hired to create shorter lines which have proved to be rather long and growing longer at recent Bloomers Luncheons.
• In addition, mixed beverages will be added for the first time this year to the regular menu of beer and wine. Apple-tinis, Bloody Marys, Bloomers Punch and Mimosas will all be available for purchase by properly “ID”ed party-goers.
• In addition, reserved seating will be in effect for the first time this year. Each ticket number will identify a particular table and chair, thus eliminating the very long waits in lines to get in. Upon arriving, party-goers will be able to go straight to their tables and claim their reserved seats; and, they will not be checked for age identification until they go to one of the numerous bars to purchase an adult beverage. Party-goers are encouraged to buy full tables of eight to ensure that they will be able to sit together; and, also to purchase tickets early. The tables will be filled in order of purchase from the dance floor to the back.

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