Copyright 1996 The Advertiser Company
The Montgomery Advertiser
January 28, 1996, Sunday
SECTION: Life; Pg. 6G
LENGTH: 629 words
HEADLINE: ORDER OF FANTASIA SALUTES LEGACY OF GRATEFUL DEAD AT BALL
BYLINE: By Chrys Robbins
BODY:
Tie-dyes, love beads, long, swingy skirts, jeans and sandals became the
costume de rigueur for members last weekend when the Order of Fantasia presented
its 1996 ball and revived the legacy of The Grateful Dead.
The ball was held for the first time at Montgomery Country Club. Several
hundred guests stood beside a cordoned-off aisle in the grand ballroom to watch
the proceedings. And against a psychedelic backdrop created by the students at
the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Center, the opening tableau was
presented.
Also presented during the night of music, dance and merrymaking, were five
well-known Montgomery men, all of whom are business, community and church
leaders. Reigning over the festivities, the "Top Five" continued a tradition
that is unique to the Order of Fantasia's Fantasy Ball.
Master of Ceremonies John Longshore welcomed everyone and recalled how,
before the death of its leader, Jerry Garcia, last year, The Grateful Dead had
for 30 years championed the free-form improvisational sound of '60s San
Francisco rock 'n' roll.
Over the course of the band's three decades on the road, it created a
sub-culture complete with its own language, lore, myths and spirituality. And
along the way it collected thousands of ardent fans, who ultimately became known
as Deadheads.
It was to the recorded music of The Grateful Dead that dancing girls,
throwing beads to the crowd, entered the ballroom to begin the entertainment
that was enhanced with innovative lighting.
To the sound of "Truckin," more dancers entered via a simulated bus that also
was created by CCPAC students and the procession of mini-performances began.
Finally, as "Touch of Gray" was played, the man who was to reign as king of
the ball and his court were introduced.
Honored as Fantasia's 36th king was Clinton Berry, a banker with First
Alabama Bank who loves to fish and hunt. The "Big C" has served on many
prestigious boards including the United Way, for which he currently serves as
the 1995-96 campaign chairman.
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The Montgomery Advertiser, January 28, 1996
The illustrious members of the king's court included Marvin Trott, Richard
Humphrey, Billy Hughes and George Goodwyn.
Dr. Trott received his optometry degree at the University of Alabama in
Birmingham after his undergraduate work and after playing football for Auburn.
He continues his love of sports as a coach for youth football, baseball and
basketball.
Mr. Humphrey can always find time for a game of golf or a trip to the beach
despite the demands of his lumber companies here and in Fort Worth, Texas. He
also has found time to be an active member of the Church of the Ascension.
Mr. Hughes, who received the Outstanding Fellow Award from the University of
Alabama's School of Engineering, is president of Capitol City Asphalt and a past
president of the Alabama Road Builders Association.
Mr. Goodwyn, a University of Alabama and Harvard Business School graduate,
serves on many boards and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Committee of
100 and a founding member of Leadership Montgomery.
Flowers were presented to Mrs. Clinton Berry, wife of the king, by the
chairman of the floor committee, Steve Humphrey. Mrs. Berry's father, Jim
Flowers, was one of Fantasia's first kings.
Others who served on the floor committee were Ted Schweers, Billy Bromberg,
George Kyser, Conwell Hooper, Trey Starke, Noble Jones and Woodie Rush.
At the conclusion of the tableau and the presentation of the king and his
court, guests were treated to even more entertainment and music for dancing by
Undercover Connection in the adjoining Colonial Room.
Receiving guests upon arrival at the ball were Mrs. David Belser, Mrs. Pete
Cobb, Mrs. Daniel Hackett, Mrs. Slade Rhodes, Mrs. Alice Gunter and Mrs.
Fletcher Gibson.
LOAD-DATE: January 30, 1996
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