Bermuda's 400th Anniversary Gala dinner and dance at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel Saturday night, was gala in every sense of the word. In fact it was most glittering.

The glitterati, the hoi polloi and everybody else was there, all having a grand time, dining, dancing and otherwise being entertained. Charismatic Mrs. Conchita Ming, who headed the overall Bermuda 2009 celebration committee, summed it up correctly when she said "it is hard to believe that this Gala signifies the closing events for the celebration of Bermuda's 400th anniversary of continuous settlement."

Mras. Ming said it seemed like only yesterday when thousands turned out on a cold January night for the launch party in Front Street, Hamilton.

The mood was so festive Premier, Dr. Hon. Ewart Brown was moved to tell everyone not to burn themselves out on that one event, as they had a whole year to go.

The Governor, Sir Richard Gozney was so impressed with Saturday's gala, he wittingly said let the celebrations continue. Don't stop now! He added, there were several other significant milestones in Bermuda evolution that rated celebration. Everyone involved in the 400th celebration deserved praise, but he was only prepared then to single out one, Conchita Ming.

Town Crier Ed. Christopher in his best booming form got everyone's attention for the arrival of the Governor with the Premier's wife Wanda Brown on his right arm. They were followed by the Lady Gozney arm in arm with the Premier.

The Rev. Mrs. Betty Furbert Woolridge, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Somerset gave the invocation, thanking the Almighty for the blessings bestowed on Bermuda over the centuries.

"We have come to this hour with hearts of thanksgiving in celebration of 400 years of receiving your love and kindness, longsuffering and mercy. We know that unless you Lord build the house, those that labour, labour in vain."

The Pastor added: "For the years to come Lord, teach us to acknowledge you in all our ways and not lean on our own understanding, and allow you to direct our paths"

The $175 a plate menu consisted of a salad of smoked duck on a bouquet of Limestone, Radicchio and Belgium Endive with Port infused Pear, Toasted Walnut, Maytag Blue Cheese and Honey Dijon dressing. The main dish was grilled filet of beef tenderloin and Atlantic salmon, Merlot Jus and lemon sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.

There was a flow of the best of wines for those who could easily metabolize them, and likewise the fruit punch was most digestible for diners like this writer. For dessert there was three-layer chocolate mousse on a bed of grand Marnier and raspberry sauce.

Master of Ceremonies for the dinner was E.Michael Jones, who with Bill Holmes served as deputy chairmen of Conchita's Bermuda 2009 Committee. Premier Brown was Hon. Chair of the committee.

Mrs. Ming noted there were well over 150 events, exhibits and projects highlighting the year-long celebration.

They ranged from such large events as the large events from Bermuda Festival, Tall Ships visit, Somers Day, Emancipation Day, The Tattoo and the Queen's visit a week ago to smaller events, such as book displays, flowers adorning Kings Square, shipwrecked salvage specials. There were music and dance concerts, original plays about Bermuda.

Also there were premieres of new films, art shows, books and calendars, sailing regattas and other sporting events; lectures, exhibits about Bermuda's history and honouring our artists at all of the museums and galleries, commemorative stamps, coins, time capsules, a commemorative book of 400 Bermuda portraits, a walkway of History in Hamilton, celebrations through the churches, and a picnic concert at Government House.

"The Youth of Bermuda have been participating extensively learning about our history throughout the year through projects and plays in school and also through our Youth Force and the many other youth organisations.

"Everyone has contributed to the success of this year. We have celebrated the journey that Bermuda has taken over 400 years and truly celebrated who we are.

"Indeed, Celebrating Bermuda and Her People became the hallmark phrase throughout the year."