Parkerfest 2000 is going to be bigger and better than last year with the announcement that the
Algonquin Hotel is onboard for a real Round Table luncheon banquet.
We visited the hotel and it is hosting the luncheon on Saturday (Aug. 5). Here is the plan for the weekend: Friday Night (Aug. 4) at
Flute will be a Speakeasy Night. Come dressed in 1920s garb to a party held in the former Hell's Kitchen speakeasy run by Parker and Benchley's friend, Texas Guinan. We've had a lot of parties here (
Parkerfest '99 too) and it's a wonderful joint with a lot of charm, history, and above all, coolers of champagne. So start the weekend off with a drink with other Parker fans at Flute!
Saturday, shake off the hangover and get over to the Algonquin for lunch. We're going to be in the same room as the Round Table once called home for 10 years. This will be a very elaborate buffet prepared by the Gonk chef. What a menu! Following the lunch will be some live entertainment in the famous Oak Room. Immediately following this will be a bus ride up to the Upper West Side, where we'll begin a walking tour of Parker's former homes and haunts. (Note to the out-of-towners: If you want to get a room at the Gonk, there are some available. They start at about $220 a night. If you want a room, let me know NOW so I can tell the hotel. Thanks).
Next, the money. Sorry, you can't just order eggs and water at the Gonk with us. There will be a cash bar on Friday night, so that's the booze factor. The cost for the Parkerfest weekend is $55 per person. It sounds high, but this covers: the Gonk lunch, entertainment, bus, walking tour, souvenir badge and collectible Parker goodies. There is also going to be T-shirts this year, but those will be separate. (If you aren't coming to Parkerfest but want a shirt, wait 'til the event is over and there may be leftovers).
I need to get a head count of how many are attending. Please drop me a note today to tell me if you are planning on attending, and how many people. (If you are underage, you can still attend the event Friday. We'll have juice for ya). If you have ANY questions, let me know. Invite your friends along too!
Also, see the page and photos from
Parkerfest 1999 to get a sense of what takes place!
Posted by Kevin Fitzpatrick on Friday, July 21, 2000 at 7:24 AM | Permalink 
