From the moment guests entered the cave they could feel the excitement in the air. Guests were welcomed to the Crystal Chamber where large displays of tasty hors d’oeuvres accompanied the 1998 Reserve Chardonnay and 1992 Cabernet Franc.

Proceeding to the Festival Chamber, a layer of brilliant laser light danced overhead welcoming guests to dinner. Following the main course, the winners of the costume contest were featured. Suddenly a drumroll from the musicians announced the desert course and a surpentine of servers entered the dark chamber each carrying a spectacular sparkling Baked Alaska.

Clark Sterling, our talented MC for the evening and Stephanie Rhoads, enlivened the crowd with entertaining excerpts from Les Miserable and The Phantom of the Opera. Soon after his performance the dance floor filled with excited guests. Romeo and Juliet, the Three Musketeers, Scarlet O’Hara, Louis the 16th, and a couple of Mafia thugs in Zoot Suits among others, could be found dancing amongst the crowd.

As the midnight hour approached a most amazing display of laser technology set to music appeared overhead. As the crowd stood mesmerized by the spectacular light and sound display, the final countdown began. At the stroke of midnight it seemed as though time stopped. Confetti filled the air, balloons fell, and streamers flew while shouts of "Happy New Year" echoed through the Festival Chamber.

A midnight buffet only momentarily lured the guests away from the dancing frenzy which lasted beyond 2am. As the ball drew to a close and the last guests headed down the main hallway, the cave echoed with excited recollections of their incredible evening. It was a great way to start the Millennium.