On May 12, 2011, the Pierian Study Club met for the annual guest evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Smith. This year’s theme was "Fiesta Ole." Co-hosting the event with Sandy Smith were Entertainment Committee members, Donna Baker, Sharon Clawson, Jane Randolph, Patty Shaw, Debbie Shahan, Anna Wilson and Loy Nell Behrens, Chair. Other members and guests present were Connie Adams and guest, Hiliary Adams; Bebe Bagley and guest, Charles and Laverne Martin; Donna & Larry Baker; Loy Nell & Tommy Behrens; Gail and Lester Bruner; Sharon and Johnny Clawson; Kathleen and Ray Hawkins and guests, Cliff & Judy Dunnegan; Jeri and Jimmy Jones; Anita Miles and guests, Willie Adams, Carol Martin, and Wayne and Winnie Lou Ferguson; Dorothy Miller; Kay & Larry Nettleship; Jane & Wardell Randolph; Debbie & Keith Shahan; Patty Shaw and guest, Sherry Ruddick; Sandy and Larry Smith and guests, Joe and Sondra Perez, Charlie and Tina Capps, Donny Smith and Brannon Huron; Geanne and Jack Taylor; Patricia & Henry Warren; Becky and Buddy Whitley; Louise Williams; Anna and Ralph Wilson and guests, John and Ella Pavich; Bebee and Elton Faught; Elsie Millican and guest, Kay Thompson; Lisa and Byron Theodosis, and Bernice Sloan, guest of Sandy and Lovell Kuykendall.

As members and their guests arrived, they were graciously greeted by their hostesses and shown to the back lawn of the Smith home. With an extraordinary view of Simpson Creek as a backdrop, the patio area was outfitted with charming fiesta decorations of assorted piñatas and colorful paper lanterns. The serving tables continued the theme with festive serving pieces and table linen fashioned from authentic serapes. The guest tables were strewn with brightly colored bandanas and mini maracas with candle-filled hurricane globes trimmed with paper flowers of vibrant hues serving as centerpieces. Fiesta Time Mariachi, a four piece mariachi band from Kerrville, completed the evening’s ambiance as they serenaded the gathering with traditional folk ballads.

The evening’s menu began with appetizers of fresh vegetables, chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole. The main course was a fajita buffet which included both chicken and beef fajitas accompanied with the traditional side dishes and flour tortillas. Ending the meal were a variety of desserts ranging from margarita cupcakes, Mexican flag sugar cookies and an assortment of pralines.

Prior to the main course, Kathleen Hawkins, club president, welcomed members and guests alike to the Smith home and commended Loy Nell Behrens, Entertainment Chair, and her committee for the outstanding job they had done throughout the past year. Yearbook Chair, Anita Miles, announced volunteers were needed to host next year’s monthly meetings. Following Mrs. Miles’ announcement, Keith Shahan was asked to give the blessing. Throughout the meal, the mariachi music continued as members and their guests enjoyed good cuisine and lively conversations.

When the evening came to a close, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and the Entertainment Committee members were once again thanked for hosting the year-end affair. The Pierian Study Club will enjoy a summer hiatus and then, in September, resume their regularly scheduled monthly meetings.