STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — A sweet piquanté pepper filled with cream cheese called a Peppadew was a favorite food on New Year’s Eve.
“I think it’s one of most unique things on the menu tonight,” said Tracy Augstell.
Her “Taste of Excellence” company catered Stafford County’s most formal New Year’s Eve celebration at the Wingate Inn off U.S. 17. About 200 people were expected at the first of its kind event at the hotel, and many came in black tie and evening gowns.
Those peppers complimented a fully catered buffet complete with spinach artichoke dip, chicken wings and antipasto salad. There was also a live band, a ballroom for dancing, a photo place, and an opportunity to ring in the New Year in style.
As many came to ring in 2013, the celebration was also an effort to highlight various local businesses that partnered with the hotel to put on the event. Some party goers – all of whom paid at least $75 per couple to attend the event – took advantage of special hotel offers at the Wingate to spend the night in suites with a Jacuzzi and a special 1 p.m. Tuesday checkout time.
Robert Smoot, who produced the event, recently moved from Maryland to Stafford and wanted to bring quality entertainment to the area. Some guests that arrived early said they had attended some of his previously held events in Alexandria and appreciated having an event held so close to home. Almost everyone said they enjoyed not having to drive to Washington or Richmond to attend a formal New Year’s event.
For one couple, this was the first time in their 20-year marriage that they went out for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
“We found a sitter for the kids, my husband is here, and we are having a great time,” said Tamara Poole, of Stafford.
While she was enjoying her evening, she said he was anxious about what the New Year would bring in the wake of the fiscal cliff and looming higher taxes. With any luck, congress will fix the fiscal cliff problem, she said.
Others at the party also had their finances on their minds and had goals for 2013.
“I’m hoping to get a new house this year,” said Michelle Poindexter, of Fredericksburg.
Another woman from Spotsylvania said they don’t pay much attention to New Year’s Resolutions, they just came for the party atmosphere.
“Normally we have a party at home, but I said ‘let’s go out this year’ and here we are,” said Deb Flemming.
Next year, Stafford County plans a large New Year’s Eve party at Stafford Marketplace in North Stafford to ring in 2014 as part of the county’s 350th birthday celebration.
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