Elegant Progressions, the acclaimed partnership project of Historic Harrisburg Association and The Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, will for the first time explore the scenic terrain of the Old Beaufort Hunt, the classic, English-style foxhunting club founded in 1929 by landowner Ehrman Mitchell in what was then known as the “Linglestown Valley.”
Two progressions are offered on Saturday, December 7, continuing the unique chauffeur-driven progressive dinner experience in the manner first staged in December 1992.
Guests will be transported throughout the evening aboard chartered motorcoaches, first to “Fox Run Manor,” the 1938 Colonial Revival estate of Schon Oppert and William Weimer, where butlered hors d’oeuvre and aperitifs will greet them on arrival. Next, they will travel to the expansive hilltop residence of Dr. Ayodeji and Mrs. Gbemisola Bakare, where Maral and John Vartan raised their family; here, a formal candlelight dinner with companion wines will be served by the staff of Mountain Laurel Catering.
The final stop, where dessert and coffee will be served, is “River House,” the unique home of Gary Lysaght, Esq., overlooking the Susquehanna River adjacent to Fort Hunter Mansion & Park. Noted for its expansive views of the river, mountains, and the historic Rockville Bridge, the property is memorable for boasting a 1928 Pennsylvania Railroad caboose, restored as a cozy guest house.
To begin the evening, guests will assemble for the progression of their choice at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Building, 4211 N. Front Street, where plenty of free off-street parking is available in the Chamber’s private lot.
This premier holiday event is the brainchild the late PeggyJayne Pierce, first Executive Director of the Kidney Foundation, who approached David Morrison, newly appointed as Historic Harrisburg’s first executive director about forming a partnership that for four decades has been “working together to restore and sustain lives in our community and the life of our community.”
“EP” is now widely recognized as a unique fundraising partnership as well as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday season in Central Pennsylvania. Planned and executed by a year-round volunteer committee, EP has many perennial attendees, some of whom have been involved since the event was founded.
The Hall Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor and Highmark Blue Shield is the Progression Sponsor of this year’s Elegant Progressions. Honorary Chair of this year’s edition is Alyce G. Spector, a longtime attendee and supporter of EP and the founder of the Kidney Foundation of Central PA. Appropriate to this year’s these, Alyce lived on Mitchell Road in the Beaufort Farms residential neighborhood developed by Ehrman Mitchell.
The all-inclusive price is $250 per ticket ($150 for guests 40 and under), and guests are encouraged to “leave your wallets at home,” as the tickets cover food, beverages, live musical entertainment, transportation, and parking for the evening. Starting times are 5:30 for the First Progression and 7:30 for the Second Progression.
Seating is limited so make your arrangements soon! Please visit us online at www.elegantprogressions.org or call 717-233-4646 or 717-652-8123 for questions and reservations. We’ll see you this holiday season as we celebrate “Traversing the Hills and Dales of the Old Beaufort Hunt!”
