Resort hosts Royal Reception
FARMINGTON – Comedy and revelry, with a touch of nobility, abounded Saturday at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa with the second day of the annual Royal Reception. Saturday’s festivities centered around the royal procession and brunch, which featured Nemacolin owner Joe Hardy.
Amid a chorus of bagpipe music, Hardy led the procession from Chateau LaFayette, through The Lodge and into a giant tent that served as banquet room for the brunch. The audience of about 450 was provided with flowers to throw at the feet of those who passed.
Procession members, including Hardy family members and royalty, were introduced to the crowd by master of ceremonies Robin Leach, known to most as the host of the television show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
“Life is so great. Every morning I wake up and ask myself, ‘What am I going to blow up today?'” Hardy said, responding to questions about whether he will soon be finished adding to the resort.
Hardy and daughter Robin Hardy Freed took their places on thrones at the front of the stage, accompanied by Hardy’s three other daughters: Nemacolin Woodlands President Maggie Hardy Magerko and young daughters Paige and Taylor.
Freed is the current holder of the title of Lord of the Manor of Henley in Arden. When Hardy bought the title, he showed great interest in helping the inhabitants of the small parish of Henley in Arden. He provided the funds to build the parish’s Heritage Centre, which Freed inaugurated in 1996.
Hardy bought the title during an auction in London and has held his royal reception ever since.
The event has attracted top entertainers over the years, including Burt Bacharach, Bill Cosby, Regis Philbin and Peter Noone.
Saturday, the Hardys welcomed Paul Kidd, known worldwide as the Royal Butler, who regaled the audience with tales of his experiences during his six years as a royal butler to the Queen Mother in Buckingham Palace.
Kidd spoke of Queen Elizabeth II and her mother with great respect, but also gave a humorous insider’s view of the royal family.
His humor was a prelude for what was to come.
Comedian/actor Robin Williams was the highlight of the main event for the weekend, Saturday’s night’s Royal Ball.
The Academy Award-winning actor and funny man was followed by 1980s pop/rock icons Huey Lewis and the News.
Other weekend entertainment included a Friday night concert by Smokey Robinson, who along with his group, The Miracles, amassed 25 Top 40 songs in the 1960s.
According to Susan McCarthy, public relations manager for Nemacolin Woodlands, plans are already in the works for next year’s Royal Reception.
Although Hardy is in his 70s, he shows no signs of slowing down.
“I want to do this again and again and again,” he said.