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Gala ball: Great White Fleet centenary ball
At the American Australian Association gala ball, guests quickly learned to expect the unexpected. There were hosts in Edwardian dress and a guest appearance by an actor playing US President Theodore Roosevelt, as well as accidental fire alarms in the middle of dinner.
Brief
Host 260 guests, including VIPs the US Ambassador to Australia, New South Wales (NSW) Leader of the Opposition and US Consul General, at a gala dinner to celebrate the centenary of the US Great White Fleet visit to Sydney in 1908.
Solution
The ball was hosted at the Art Gallery of NSW, and decorated with a Navy theme including American flags, sailor hats and entertainment from both the Royal Australian Navy Band and the US Pacific Fleet Band, as well as a didgeridoo player and jazz bands.
Outcome
The US Consul General said the event was “The most elegant, the most enjoyable, the most festive” ball she had ever attended. But the organisers recommend always leaving more time for preparation than you think you’ll need!
"The most elegant, the most enjoyable and the most festive ball I have ever attended."
US Consul General
