InsaneJournal

In true BIL fashion, the opening gala for the coming season was over the top, under the big top. The ballroom at the Mountain View Inn in Hogsmeade was transformed into a three ring circus. The walls were bedecked in rich silks in shades of burgundy, purple, and gold. The tables, with exotic center pieces, surrounded the main ring, allowing all guests a view of the trapeze artists who flew over head, the jugglers and acrobats who turned tricks, and other circus acts.

There wasn't a formal sit down meal. Instead, guests enjoyed gourmet versions of classic circus fare. Restaurants and food shops from around the magical community were invited to set up booths. Fortecue's provided a sundae bar, and a local bakery did all of the funnel cakes. They were strategically placed next to each other for the purpose of creating funnel cake sundaes. The bar was open, and guests had the option of ordering from top shelf liquor, as wells as pints of ales, glasses of wine, and the signature cotton candy cocktails.

Aside from the entertainment in the center ring, guests could enjoy a spin on a magical carousel or swings. There were carnival games which were rigged so everyone got some sort of prize, and the Magical Menagerie brought several safe yet exotic animals for a petting zoo. The second largest ring was magicked so the sounds of the rest of the gala could not be heard. This was the dance floor, and the DJ played everything from classical waltzes to the Weird Sisters to Muggle dance music.

Servers circled each ring and the main floor with trays of miniature corn dogs, pretzels, sliders, and small pies in sweet and savory flavors. Cocktails could be ordered from the roving waiters, and they passed around flutes of Champagne and glasses of water.

Midway through the night, the head of the BIL and the owners and head coaches announced the newest players for each of the league's teams. There was a specific area for reporters where they held short press conferences with current and new players. Attendees entered through this area and were stopped for pictures on their way in. The only cameras that worked once in the main space were those of the approved photographers for the evening, including a carefully selected woman who took candid photos of the entire event and the gentleman running the photo booth.

This is an IC/OOC post. Please feel free to either comment with: who attended, what they wore, what they did, etc. You may also thread in this post, or as Lis suggested, write out a scene in a doc and link to it here. Have fun with this!