Selby Gardens dazzles NYE with lights, ballet, front-row seats to fireworks

The beauty of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provided a stunning backdrop for its annual New Year's Eve party, which was attended by some 216 guests on Dec.31, 2023. 

With temperatures hovering around 60 degrees, and a humidity of 98%, the dew was heavy as guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour complete with Champagne, hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to stroll through the Lights in Bloom display, which boasts over 3 million lights this year.

While waiting with  anticipation for 2024 to officially begin, guests enjoyed a delicious menu and service managed by Tracey McCammack for Michael's On East. Dinner included a wild mushroom risotto, pan seared bass, and fennel crusted filet of beef.

Much to the delight of all guests, dancers from Sarasota Ballet's Margaret Barbieri Conservatory performed beautiful solo pieces in between dinner courses. The beautifully adorned ballerinas, each like an individual piece of art, exuded style, grace and beautiful form. 

DJ Karim provided music and kept the dance floor packed all evening. At midnight guests ventured outside to watch fireworks over Sarasota Bay.

Selby President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki initiated this party, now an annual event since she took the helm in 2015. "This year is particularly exciting because it is our 50th anniversary, and Phase One of our master plan is opening up to the public on January 11," she said. Husband Rob Rominiecki added, "This event is a wonderful tradition for Selby to help ring in the new year."

Proceeds benefit Selby's core mission, which is scientific inquiry and the preservation of plants that are critical to the survival of all life.