Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen Samantha's Sixteenth Birthday Publish Date: 06/06/2010

When I was a young girl, turning sixteen was a really big event. It was a "Coming Out" event. Elaborate parties were held in the young lady's honor and everybody that was anybody was invited to celebrate with the Sixteen year old Sweetie. Every minute detail of the party was posted on the society page of our local daily newspaper. No detail was left unreported. Descriptions of the honoree's attire, the full names of all attendees, details of the party location and decorations; all accounts of the party were documented for the citizens to read.

My eldest granddaughter celebrated her Sixteenth Birthday on April 4, 2010 with a huge fete in her honor. Her mother and step-father spared no expense in honoring her and inviting all of her friends, family, and acquaintances to celebrate her special occasion.

The event was held at the local Masonic Lodge which provided a huge open ballroom. Samantha Nicole was greeted by well wishers of all ages. The eldest in attendance was her eighty-three year old Great-Grandmother and the youngest was her three year old cousin. Many of her high school varsity soccer teammates, school friends, relatives and long time acquaintances were on hand to enjoy the festivities and wish her happiness for her Special Birthday.

The theme for the party was "On the Wild Side". Tables were decorated with alternating red and black table cloths with criss-crossing runners made from animal skin print material. In the center of each table sat a tall printed luminary candle holder with Samantha's picture and Happy Sweet Sixteen printed on each side. Flowers in corresponding colors decorated the gift tables.

The central focal point of the decorations was a very special birthday cake made by Mrs. Lacombe (owner of Quality Cake Shop 140 Sandy Lane. Marksville, LA. 71351 (318) 563-4785). The birthday cake was actually three individual cakes sitting on a multi-level tiered stand. All three cakes were made in different sizes and shapes and multiple layers all decorated in different animal skin print design icing in keeping with the party theme.
The center ceiling of the Ballroom was sectioned off in a square with red tulle and within the square were hundreds of brightly colored animal skin print helium filled balloons with long streamers of ribbons hanging down to head high. It was exotic dancing through the streamers!!! To set the tone for the

party atmosphere a local "DJ" played music from all eras. There was music to please everyone from oldest to youngest. Line Dancing was a favorite, that got everyone on the dance floor. While the music filled the air, finger foods filled many tables. There was a variety with everything from melon balls to sausage balls. The food tables were decorated with Whole Fresh Pineapple and Coconuts, Fresh Asparagus was arranged to resemble brush/plants. Samantha's own art creation "Tangled Tiger Tail" was a focal point in front of the DJ's table. Other art works of hers, including a "Tribal Mask" and "Fleur-de Lis" also graced this table for all to admire.

Security was provided for the party by several off duty members of the local Sheriff's office. They wore black T -shirts with "Sam's Security" (in bright pink) on the back and big pink "S" within a triangle on the front. These security uniforms were provided by Mom and Step-Dad.

My beautiful granddaughter had a very stylish "Coming out/Sweet Sixteen" party. The guest were dressed in Semi-formal fashions. Samantha wore a Strapless Satin Empire Waist dress in Black/White animal print short formal dress that was accented with a big red bow in coordinating with the party theme.

The DJ played the final song of the evening at 11:30 p.m. and all of attendants danced their final dance for the night. The balloons dropped from the ceiling as the final tunes were played and everyone scattered to scoop up a balloon or two to remember the enchanting evening.

Happy Sweet Sixteen to Samantha Nicole!!!!!!