Compared to the Diversity Weekend dance parties, pool parties and the non-confrontational showdown with the motorcycle evangelists in Basin Spring Park on Saturday, the Cake n' Cocktails reception for Domestic Partners was low-key, high-calorie affair.

Several out-of-town couples who arrived early enough on Friday to get their Domestic Partnership certificates at city hall were in attendance at the soiree, along with local couples who swarmed city hall June 22 when the DPR went into effect. Hosted by Henri's, 19 1/2 Spring St., the event drew enough of a crowd to fill the bar, the dining room and the outdoor deck.

Three of Eureka's finest pastry chefs--Lee Kroll of Out On Main, Yves Dallenbach from Eureka Swiss Cafe and Tracey Saunders of Legacy Cakes created--and donated--three exquisite confections for the occasion.

Kroll's featured a made-from-icing map of Arkansas with a you-are-here star for Eureka Springs and «Domestic Partner Registry...only in Eureka!» in script. Saunders produced a three-tiered wedding cake/work of art and Dallenbach presented a two-layer cake of rich, dark chocolate and a cherry filling adorned with red roses.

Eureka Pride's Mark «Sparky» Wetzel provided wedding-worthy veils and top hats for the newlypartnereds.

Unfortunately (for them), members of the city council were no shows, though they had been sent written invitations. Similarly, Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jeff Feldman and the Rev. Phil Wilson were notable by their absence. None, however, were particularly missed.

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