<b>By Lanier Laney</b>

Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette came to Beaufort in 1825 and was greeted with a 13 gun salute and spoke on the steps of the Verdier House, afterwards a ball was held in his honor. Historic Beaufort Foundation, which has done so many great things to preserve the history of our town, including saving the Verdier House from destruction, has held the Lafayette Soiree as their chief fundraiser for the past 44 years. It’s become one of the premier social events in Beaufort and I strongly encourage you to attend, especially if you never have and want to get an inside peek at Beaufort at its best.

This year, in honor of Lafayette’s home in Paris, the theme is “April in Paris” and the event will be held Saturday, April 5 on the beautiful grounds of Mark and Alison Guilloud’s historic home downtown. An 18th century Paris street market is being created complete with jugglers and mimes to welcome people with libations and sumptuous hors d’ouevre prepared by some of Beaufort’s finest chefs. This year’s featured chefs will be Gary Lang and Beth Shaw from Breakwater Restaurant and Lantz Price from Saltus along with Rick Stone from the Beaufort Bread Company. One of the most renowned bands in Atlanta, CEO Show Band, will be arriving to entertain the dance crowd after the silent auction ends. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Call 843-379-3331 to get your tax deductible ticket to attend this unforgettable soiree.