Fleet and Garrison Ball

Last night, we attended the Fleet and Garrison Ball, held down at the Wardroom (traditionally, the naval officers' mess) at Stadacona - CFB Halifax. Quite a nice evening, and a big event - over 600 people in attendance, from the Army, Navy and the RCMP (who were invited as special guests this year).

It was the first time I'd been to an event at the Wardroom in over ten years, and it looked great, as they've done a lot of renovations in the interim. We headed over at about 6.30 pm for drinks, and to sample the seafood hors d'oeuvres bar. The 78th Highlanders from the Citadel were also on hand to give a display and play before dinner was announced. They stood at the Wardroom entrance earlier in the evening, as an honour guard:


We went in to dinner at 7.30 and had a table with several of A.'s colleagues from his unit. As usual, the military chefs outdid themselves and the meal was excellent. There was pear and cambozola salad to start, followed by roast asparagus soup with smoked salmon, apple cider sorbet, chicken stuffed with spinach and chèvre, and finally, chocolate and pistachio pâté for dessert. Had a very good bottle of Pinot Gris also.

Afterwards, there was lots of dancing, with three different ballrooms on the go - one with big-band/swing-type music, one with traditional Maritime music, and one with a DJ. There were about six different bars open around the building, with the best being The Bridge, on the top floor of the main residential tower. It has a terrace and a fantastic view of the city, and was serving very good martinis all evening.

All in all, a fine evening - I do love the opportunity to get dressed up from time to time.