Sold out for two weeks now, the Ice Ball at Delaware Park Casino tonight is going to be a smash! Today we received an email from Ice Ball originator, Steve Poland, and while he’s sorry there are no more tickets for regular sale, he’s amused by the postings on Craig’s list.
This one is his favorite. We sure hope the guy in question finds what he’s looking for and that – if he doesn’t – the gaffe doesn’t set a tone for his entire 2009.
In its 1st year, Poland says the Ice Ball was born of the idea that “there’s been nothing special going on the past few years, and plans have been in disarray. I started with 50 people – just a private party – and it took off.” Poland, an Internet entrepreneur hasn’t done anything like this before, so he enlisted the help of Dawn Schregel of Distinctive Occasions.
“She typically does private parties and weddings,” Poland says. But as his list grew, the Ice Ball has turned into a party of 500, with more wanting in. “The Marcy Casino is a great spot, but we may need a bigger venue next year. This will definitely be an annual event and I’ve got a summer party planned too.”
The lucky 500 will enjoy the main building along with a tent area, with big heaters. The top balcony is being reserved for smokers. “This is more of a 25 – 40-year-old crowd,” Poland says. “Kinda Elmwood Village people for the most part.”
Michael Bly will be supplying the music, and Poland says Bly really gets a crowd going. “It’s going to be fun. I didn’t expect this – figured we’d be up to 100 tickets today, but there was obviously a need.”
Poland who says he’s moved away from Buffalo and come back 9 times has vowed to stay in town. “I plan to be part of a change in the next 10 to 20 years.”
Nice start, Steve.