Society: Shore dinner kicks off HydroFest

In celebration of 100 years of Gold Cup races, the 2016 UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest presented a “Classic Shore Dinner” and race preview party at the Roostertail on Thursday.

About 200 guests were treated to a spectacular strolling seafood supper provided by a number of top Metro Detroit restaurants, including the London Chop House, Fishbones and Bayview Yacht Club. A clear favorite was the Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina station, which served seared scallops with avocado, Michigan summer corn, heirloom tomatoes and smoked rainbow trout.

The festive evening also included cocktails and a meet-and-greet with the Gold Cup Race hydroplane owners and drivers. In addition, there was a raffle offering a chance to win a 2016 GM vehicle. There were a half-dozen to choose from on display as guests entered the facility.

“One hundred years is a milestone to be celebrated, so we’re excited to host this new event to kick off the 2016 UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest together with the owners and drivers, great food from well-known Detroit restaurants, the best view of the course from the Roostertail while supporting the March of Dimes at the same time,” said Mark Weber, president of Detroit Riverfront Events Inc.

During the brief program, Weber presented a special model of Gale V, one of the hydroplanes from yesteryear that was owned by the father of Roostertail owner Tom Schoenith. During the program, all the drivers in attendance were introduced.

Gold Cup 2016 Grand Marshall Keith Crain and his wife, Mary Kay, were also part of the festivities.

Tickets to the event were $75, with proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. Guests were also given private tours of the Gold Cup pit area, which is right next to the Roostertail. The Gold Cup Race took place on Sunday.

Chuck Bennett is the creator of TheSocialMetro.com and is the Fox 2 News Style Ambassador.