Event to celebrate Spanish heritage

“Masquerade at the Mansion,” the Foundation for Historical Louisiana’s 14th annual Old Governor’s Mansion Gala, will be held Oct. 11. The event will celebrate Louisiana’s Spanish legacy from 1762-1810.

The band Stormy will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the rose garden. The silent auction in the East Room has more than 120 entries with items ranging from spa services and packages to fine jewelry and collectibles. There will be a number of high-end luxury trips, including wine country by train along with a resort package to Costa Rica presented by Vacations by Crown, getaways to area plantation homes and hotels, fine art and furnishings. A painting donated by celebrated artist Alex Harvie, of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, is featured. Bidding starts at 7:30 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m.

Restaurants, caterers and distributors are donating unique fare and signature dishes to showcase their specialties. This year, Heirloom Cuisine owners Jason and Caryn Roland and Diane Evans of Best Catered Events are helping coordinate the event. Caterers include Abigail’s Catering, Acme Oyster House, Bonanno’s Fine Catering, Cabot Cheese, Chef Don Bergeron Enterprises, Chef John Folse, Coca Cola, Culinary Productions, Drakes Catering, Gambino’s, Louisiana Bayou Bistro, Zolia Bistro, Mockler Beverage Company, Oak Lodge and Republic National Distributing Company.

The Old Governor’s Mansion was home to nine governors and their families beginning with its builder, Gov. Huey P. Long.

Melanie and Brad Way are this year’s gala chair couple.

Tickets are $100 per person for FHL members, $125 for non-members and $50 for those under 35 who are invited to join FHL’s junior group, Inherit Baton Rouge. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.fhl.org or by calling [phone].

A pre-party on the front lawn is set for 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for sponsors. Baton Rouge artist Charles Barbier will be capturing the spirit of the evening as it unfolds. Sponsorship levels are $1,500, Preservation Patron; $2,500, Preservation Benefactor; $5,000 Preservation Investor; and $7,500 Preservation Champion. Contact Carolyn Bennett, FHL executive director, [phone] or [e-mail].

All proceeds are dedicated to preservation advocacy and the education work of FHL, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve Louisiana’s architectural and cultural heritage.