The Fairmont Dallas Grand Opening

A formal gala opening was scheduled for The Fairmont Dallas for May 7, 1969. In April a water main on the mezzanine level burst, sending three to four inches of water onto the floor and through the ceiling of the lobby, ruining several thousand feet of carpeting. The hotel recovered, however, for the lavish May 7 official opening.

Labeled Le Bal de Dallas, the glitzy party doubled as a benefit for the Dallas Civic Opera. The Arabian Nights-themed party was over the top, even by Dallas standards. Guests were greeted by six uniformed trumpeters and the lobby was the setting for seventy-five violinists, living exotic fish in aquarium displays, Persian dancers and a shower of golden confetti and caviar by the ton.

Dinner courses were served in parade form, beginning with the soup course, led by two live gold and silver-clad baby elephants, each carrying a costumed woman tossing fake gold nuggets, pulled from cauldrons of steaming dry ice, to the party guests. Following dessert, the elephants reappeared, drawing a coach carrying singer Robert Goulet, who serenaded the guests.

Thus began the long tradition of glamorous galas at The Fairmont Dallas.