It’s that time of year again. This week the commonwealth’s movers and shakers and political chattering class will make their way to the Big Apple for a weekend of merriment. It’s the Pennsylvania Society weekend, the annual pilgrimage of the state’s business and political leaders to Gotham for a swirl of receptions, luncheons and dinners culminating in the Society’s annual gala at the Waldorf Astoria on Saturday night.

The Society traces its roots to the closing days of the 19th Century when James Barr Feree held a dinner for some notable Pennsylvanians who had moved to New York. Over their steak and oysters they decided to form The Pennsylvania Society of New York, later shortened to “The Pennsylvania Society.” The purpose of the Society was “…uniting all Pennsylvanians…in the bonds of friendship…”

For more than a century the Society has sponsored scores of social, charitable and historical events. But it’s the black-tie gala dinner on the second Saturday of each December at the fabled Waldorf Astoria that is its signature event. It’s a command performance to “see and be seen” for the states powerful.

The Carnegies, Mellons, Heinzes, Schwabs and those who built our state have been central figures in the Society’s dinners. A young Sir Winston Churchill was the first dinner speaker. Several presidents of the United States have spoken. The list of honorees and winners of the Society’s Gold Medal is a veritable Who’s Who of Pennsylvania business, politics, education, athletics, arts, science and culture. This year the Society will honor Scranton native Joe Biden, the vice president of the United States.

Despite the sparkle of the gala, the events leading up to Saturday night provide the most fodder for scuttlebutt and conversation. Years ago there were a few high-level receptions and luncheons wrapped around the dinner. They now stretch into mid-week and number in the dozens. Hosted by law firms, lobbyists, banks, engineers, colleges and politicos, they begin with the coveted invite-only event hosted by Christine Torretti at Club Macanudo on Thursday evening. The conga line of Society attendees snakes through the city to an array of hors d’ouvres and spirits that would make an imperial palace blush.

The conga line of Society attendees snakes through the city to an array of hors d’ouvres and spirits that would make an imperial palace blush.

Lest the impression be given that food and drink are the only things to be had, it should be noted that there are seminars, lectures and speeches in abundance, as well. Legal powerhouse, Bank Rome, hosts a pair of exceptional seminars on Friday afternoon in its offices at the iconic Chrysler Building. On Saturday morning Fred Anton, a former Society president and the CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, holds his annual seminar and luncheon at the historic Metropolitan Club. With most of the state’s political luminaries in attendance and many speaking, it’s considered the crown jewel of the star-studded weekend.

All of this wining and dining has not gone without criticism. There’s always some killjoy who wants to gripe about the “elite” living high on the hog or some politician trying to score points by saying we should be spending all of that money in Pennsylvania. You’re likely to hear “Bah humbug” somewhere in the midst of these critiques.

The truth is that the Pennsylvania Society weekend is a wonderful event for those who attend and for the state they love. The stated purpose of the Society to unite all Pennsylvanians in the bonds of friendship is seen everywhere.

The weekend is truly bi-partisan. Those who break lances during the rest of the year will break bread and enjoy the common bond that is theirs as Pennsylvanians. Raised voices are replaced by raised glasses toasting the commonwealth and all that unites us. At a time when civility is too often lacking in our public discourse, it is refreshing to see in full display the camaraderie envisioned by those Pennsylvanians at the first Society dinner. It gives a renewed sense of hope that the feelings of the weekend will flow from the corridors of New York’s hotels and clubs to the halls of Harrisburg and Washington.