The Pilgrimage Garden Club Antiques Forum occurred recently for the first time since 2003, and it was a huge success.

Nearly 170 people attended the revitalized forum, titled “The Arts in the American Experience,” and it couldn’t have been done without the tremendous help of a lot of people.

I would like to take this opportunity, as one of the three co-chairs for the event, to thank everyone who helped make the forum a success.

I would first like to thank all of the chairmen who gave their time to help with registration, the bookstore, meals, transportation, lodging and the many other elements that play an important role in assuring everyone enjoys their time in Natchez, and attending the forum.

I would particularly like to thank Joe and Cindy Meng, Ginger Hyland, Terry and Katie Frieberger and John Miller, for opening their homes to forum participants for the progressive lunch that Saturday afternoon.

The 2008 forum would not have even come to be however, if not for the energy and enthusiasm of Jeanette Feltus. It was Jeanette who had the strong desire to bring the forum back to life, and make it something special again.

And, of course, none of us could have pulled it together without the brilliant guidance and wisdom of Wendell Garrett of Sotheby’s of New York.

Mr. Garrett was instrumental in organizing the speakers, each an expert in their respective field, and assisting us each step of the way in formatting the program.

I must also offer our tremendous gratitude for all of the local businesses that either gave monetary donations or made some “in kind” contribution to helping us breathe life back into this highly cherished event.The proceeds from the 2008 Antiques Forum will be used to make some much-needed repairs to Stanton Hall, as well as go toward the purchase of new draperies for the main parlor.

Again, thank you chairmen, thank you homeowners, thank you co-chairs, and thank you to anyone and everyone who helped make the 2008 PGC Antiques Forum a smashing success. Plans for the 2009 Antiques Forum are now under way, so we sincerely hope you will make your plans to attend.

Tanya Biglane is a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club.