Flagler County, FL – Pulling out all the stops for the final bonfire of the spring season, organizer Donna Davis issued a challenge to the Ladies of Flagler County. Showing up on Saturday evening to Old Salt Park on National Picnic Day, those competing in the picnic potluck brought their A-game.
Staging two displays that were Instagram-worthy, Brianna Fisher, Rosie Turnage-Davis and Sofie Costa helped ensure the evening went smoothly as teams set up their displays and dishes.
Ranging from the All-American-themed traditional fried chicken, cherry pie and lemonade shared by duo Evelyn Moore and Michelle Hult to the Italian dinner prepared by Donna Principato, Martha Stewart would have been proud to see the creativity and full-flavored dishes offered up by ladies across Flagler County.
Serving an authentic Italian Wedding Soup with handmade meatballs, fresh antipasto, mini pizzas with caramelized onions, topped with fig, pear, gorgonzola and arugula, alongside a homemade meat lasagna with sweet sausage, hot sausage and meatballs followed by a tiramisu, Principato was deemed the evening’s winner for her savory creations.
“I used to be a personal chef, so when I cook my meals at night, I’ll post them,” shared Principato, who says she has made new friends through the Ladies of Flagler County group.
“Food is like friendship. It’s good camaraderie, all different age groups, ethnicities. Everyone’s just super nice,” she said before accepting the grand prize gift of dancing lessons at Elite Dance and Travel in Palm Coast.
Other favorites of the night included a turtle cheesecake offered up by Janice Randolph and Sandy Nicolette at their Romantic Table for 2 set up where dainty mini croissants were packed with layers of turkey, brie, green apple slices and raspberry jam, and a fresh spinach salad with strawberry vinaigrette dressing complemented the peach and raspberry sangria as the main course.
A member of the Ladies of Flagler County since it’s inception in October 2020, Randolph was excited about the addition of the picnic theme to the evening’s bonfire gathering.
“The turtle cheesecake seems to be the best of the table,” she noted with humor, showcasing their display.
“It actually was Sandy who thought of it and people have said it could be like a bridal shower set up. We just thought it was kind of an elegant beach theme.”
“By the number of tables here, everybody really got into this,” said Randolph. “Everything is unique and beautiful and the different themes are just gorgeous. It’s nice finish for the season for bonfires.”
Created as a way to connect women across the community socially, Deana Cedar said the group grew exponentially from the start.
“It was only supposed to be ‘let’s go meet for lunch once in a while’, and it evolved. There were 500 people in that first week,” she said.
Collaborating with Donna Davis and several others to maintain the social media group’s activity while welcoming new members, it’s bringing together women with common interests that run the gamut from ladies’ lunches to glass blowing and escape rooms.
“We all have different interests. It’s people from different backgrounds, people that you wouldn’t normally connect with on some other level, and now you’re here. Everybody wants to meet people and have fun,” said Cedar.
Davis, who chooses to create the bonfire socials as her way of meeting up with others wants everyone to feel included. She has seen people who many not cross paths professionally or personally grow friendships through the Ladies of Flagler County events.
“The ultimate purpose it to make new friends and do fun things together,” she said.
“Nobody is left out. It’s not professional, it’s not about business, it’s about meeting new friends and doing fun things. Meeting your new tribe, your new best friends. Half of these women, maybe even 90 percent of them didn’t know each other before LOFC. It’s amazing. I love connecting people and putting people together. This is a very kind, friendly, inclusive way to bring women together.”
Adding the picnic competition to the event to close out the spring season brought even more excitement to the party.
“It’s getting women involved and engaged,” said Davis. “I usually do string lights and tikis and this time, everybody’s involved, and it makes it so much more fun and enjoyable.”
Winners:
Intimate Picnic for 2: Michelle Hult
Small 3-5: Theresa Cecil
Medium 6-9: Rosie Turnage-Davis and Brianna Fisher
Large 10+: Rachelle Paulk
Best Charcuterie: Lisa Hogan
Best Dessert: Sandy Nicolette
Best Salad: Elizabeth Willis
Best Side Dish: Rina Chowdhury
Best Entrée: Jodee Soltes
