Several guests at the Aug. 30 Lumina Daze originally experienced Lumina Pavilion during the 25,000-square-foot dance hall’s heyday in the early- to mid-1900s. Those who did not were given a taste of that era with an evening of dancing and dining in honor of Wrightsville Beach’s “Palace of Light.”
Past editions of the annual event featured live music on the Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s outdoor patio but this year, rain showers relocated the shagging and line dancing into the hotel’s ballroom. The Imitations provided upbeat beach music for Lumina Daze revelers of all ages, including a couple celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary.
“They said they came to the Lumina Daze because of The Imitations,” said Madeline Flagler, Wrightsville Beach Museum of History executive director, who helped organize the event. “The Imitations played for their 50th wedding anniversary.”
In a nearby room, Wilmington Big Band played jazz while guests bid on silent auction items. Flagler said some of the most popular items were paintings by local plein air artists who, earlier in the weekend, created their works depicting Wrightsville’s scenery.
Flagler said despite the rainy weather, the Lumina Daze was once again a successful fundraiser for the museum, which uses the money to maintain its collections and organize programs.
“I was pleasantly surprised that the turnout did not feel low at all,” she said. “I think we had between 300 and 350 people, and last year we had about 400.”
Besides being a fundraiser, the Lumina Daze is a reunion, said Jack Lane, who managed an establishment adjoining Lumina Pavilion called the Upper Deck. While the iconic Lumina Pavilion has garnered more recognition over the years, the Upper Deck was very popular as well.
“We were selling beer at 25 cents for a draft, and we did $1,000 one Sunday afternoon between 2 and 7 [p.m.],” Lane said.
Upon arriving at the Blockade Runner for the Lumina Daze he immediately located a group of old friends, including former Upper Deck bartenders Tim Chappell and Norman Akel.
“The Upper Deck was successful because we were a cohesive staff,” Lane said. “We were a team.”
The group reminisced about being among the few to grow up — and later work — on the island year-round.
“A lot of them have such fond memories of working there and playing there,” Flagler remarked. “I think that lends itself to the really warm atmosphere of the Lumina Daze.”
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