This year, we are excited to celebrate the 26th anniversary of our Cannon Ball Gala! Our theme, “Let’s Misbehave,” celebrates the roaring 20s, a time in history famous for its architecture, music, fashion, economic prosperity, and optimism. The 1920s saw the emergence of new artistic and cultural movements, leading to innovations in art, film, and music. In addition to advancements in medicine, science, and social work, the 1920s nurtured remarkable talent in the arts, literature, and sports.

For the first time, more Americans lived in cities than on farms. Between 1920 and 1929, the nation’s total wealth more than doubled, and the gross national product (GNP) expanded by 40 percent. This economic growth propelled many Americans into an affluent “consumer culture,” where people across the country were exposed to the same advertisements, purchased the same products, listened to the same music, and danced to the same styles. However, many Americans felt uneasy about this lively urban lifestyle, and the era of Prohibition led to more conflict than celebration. Nonetheless, for some, the Jazz Age of the 1920s was a time of excitement and joy.

In the words of the legendary Cole Porter, Let’s Misbehave!