Westmounters get into party mode

About 200 guests, in ball gowns, formal wear and more casual attire, turned out for this year's event. They began their annual welcoming of spring with cocktails in the Art Gallery and adjoining sunny courtyard, followed by dinner in the hall's main auditorium.

Helen Campbell and Véronique Pourcelet co-chaired the eight-member organizing committee, who had been working closely with Virginia Elliott of the City's Community Events office since January.

Dance music for all tastes, from classical to rock 'n' roll, was played by the Joseph Segreti Band, a lively group that ensured a popular repertoire by accepting song requests by e-mail several days before the event. Since the guests' ages ranged from early 30s up to the 80s, the band faced the challenge of pleasing everyone. As a result, the music ranged from Sinatra tunes from the 1950s, through to Justin Timberlake in the current era. "We get people of all areas of the community, different generations," Mayor Karin Marks said, addressing the crowd. "Every year I see many who've been here before and others who've never been before, and it really is a true community event. That to me is what Westmount is really about. It's what made us want to start these kinds of events, it's what makes us continue these events." "We have a new caterer this year, Malibu Catering, and they're fabulous," said Campbell.

In view of popular demand for tickets, place was made for about 50 more people. "We added two more tables. It's pretty popular. People who couldn't come at the last minute, those tickets were snapped up." "People know it's a party and definitely an event to be at," Pourcelet added. "They're here to have a good time and see people they may not have seen in ages. A lot of people know each other here. It's quite a social event." According to Campbell, the organizing committee had four new members this year, including Mimi Kuflik, who contributed her catering and culinary knowledge. "We're always looking for new people to get involved," said Campbell. "Because it's a community event, it runs on the strength of the community members who get involved and contribute." — Stanley Baker contributed to this report.