Prohibition party on tap

Things are coming along at Crystal Cove’s Historic District, where the park is now embarking on “phase two” of a multimillion-dollar restoration project, which will include the Outdoor Education area, House Museum and additional rental and operational support cottages.

Laura Davick, founder and president of the Crystal Cove Alliance, said the organization hit a milestone Tuesday, when the bidding process for the phase commenced. Bids are due by Oct. 16.

“We’ve had a great year for donations, despite a challenging economy,” she said. “Our board committee has done a wonderful job of promoting to new sponsors.”

The organization has about $3 million in grants, which were recently reactivated after a six-month hold, to use toward the estimated $6 million upcoming project.

Davick said renovations are expected to begin by the end of the year, and should take 18 to 24 months to complete.

This will leave 17 remaining cottages on the North Beach area for phase three, projected at $16 million to $20 million.

“We have a lot to do yet, but Crystal Cove continues to move forward in these difficult times,” Davick said.

In efforts to raise additional funds, the alliance will host its seventh annual Beach Gala from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 26, when they turn the beach into a speakeasy for a Prohibition-era-themed party.

The 1920-33 inspired event, designed to replicate the booze-smuggling and bootlegging days in the Cove, will feature a seven-piece orchestra in the sand, vintage cars, authentic Prohibition drinks, old-style jazz music and a live auction.

“We’ll have a culinary experience unlike any we’ve had here, with fine cuisine provided by the Beachcomber Café, Montage Laguna Beach, the Resort at Pelican Hill and the St. Regis Monarch Beach,” Davick said. “This event will be something Orange County has never seen before.”

She also said the art portion of this year’s event will be at Pelican Hill Resort for a three-day exhibit, which will provide the opportunity to extend and expand the event to a wider audience.

Guests are encouraged to don Prohibition-era costumes, but may also come in upscale beach attire.

A Prohibition exhibition, chronicling the history of the area with old photos and historical tidbits, will also run in the Rotating Exhibit Cottage through October.

Tickets are $300 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.crystalcovealliance.org.

To learn more about the history of Crystal Cove, take a tour from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of every month.

The group meets in the Los Trancos lot. Parking is $15. Fees are waved for those who show receipt from the Beachcomber Café.