In the Racquets world, the third weekend of October signifies the annual Hadden Tomes event in Tuxedo Park. However, as we all managed through a global pandemic for the past two years, dreams of themed parties and on-court competition remained a [caterpillar] pipe dream. Cue Friday, October 15th. On a perfect fall day, Hadden Tomes ramped back up into full force with an Alice in Wonderland themed weekend.
As the matches kicked off Friday, costumes adorned the court of rabbits, Alices, Queens of Hearts, and more. That evening the tennis house was filled with live music courtesy of Rich Mueller, and for some brave souls, a stint at the microphone. Friends and families gathered to watch play, enjoy the music, and grab a beverage in a flamingo pink cup from the bar.
As the match play wound down on Saturday evening, next door the adventures were just beginning… Upon arrival, guests were directed through a side door of the clubhouse, where they picked up a small treat that said “Eat Me” and made their way down the rabbit hole. Luckily, no one grew too tall or too short to make it through to the other side, always a worry considering Alice’s fate. The tunnel opened to cocktail hour on the terrace with specialty drinks (Salty Tears a crowd favorite) and passed hors d’oeuvres. Scanning the room we were surrounded by Mad Hatters, flamingos, white rabbits (constantly checking their watches to ensure they were on time for dinner), playing cards, royalty, and Alices.
The energy grew with every new character that popped out of the tunnel, and eventually, we all made our way into a tea party themed dinner that any of the Mad Hatters would be proud of. Tea cups ran down the center of the tables, along with candles and top hats that created a whimsical scene straight out of the movie. After two years of pause, members of the club, out-of-towners, and guests came together to celebrate. What a magical and surreal experience after such a hiatus. Bottles of Mad Hatter cabernet were opened and poured into glasses, and clinking could be heard all around in toast to the celebration, planners, and staff that made the evening truly special.
As dinner wrapped, guests yet again, were moved into another room that was transformed into a Queen of Hearts approved checkerboard dance floor with chess pieces and pops of red, black, and white hanging from the ceiling. A dessert tower of themed sweets placed centrally to the bar provided the sugar rush and after-dinner drinks that we all needed after a long day of play. The dancing kicked off and went well into the early morning hours. We all took full advantage of a transformative experience and a well-deserved evening of fun.
In the great words of the Cheshire Cat, “Every adventure requires a first step,” and we certainly took a big one at the Tuxedo Club.
