About 140 guests, in ball gowns, formal wear and more casual attire, turned out for the seventh annual Spring Soirée. The $90-per-ticket event opened with cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing. Music was provided by the jazz ensemble Mainstream Duo and disc jockeys.

Widely regarded as Westmount’s premium social event, the Spring Soirée is organized each year by volunteers with the Community Events Advisory Committee, which is chaired by Helen Campbell. Compared to past years, attendance was slightly down.

“The McCord Museum has something on tonight and maybe the economic situation has something to do with it,” said Councillor Nicole Forbes, acknowledging the drop. In a departure from previous Spring Soirées, seating was arranged banquet style to accommodate larger groups.

“Most of the years that we’ve had the Spring Soirée, there’s been a waiting list,” said Virginia Elliott, assistant community events coordinator at Victoria Hall. “So we thought that by having banquet tables we could accommodate more people, and people who didn’t come as a group then wouldn’t be isolated.”

Several paintings by Westmount artist Daniela Zekina, who created the poster for this year’s soirée, were set up in various parts of the hall. Sian Matthew, a member of the organizing committee, joked that the committee “suffered” through the ordeal of having to taste various wines and beers before deciding which would be most suitable for the guests.

“I spent a lot of time finding the best deals on the wine and the beer,” she said, adding that decisions also had to be taken about the best flower settings and most appropriate table cloths. The menu included salad, antipasto appetizers, and a choice of pork, salmon or a vegetarian dish for the main course.

There was also a dessert buffet, with a chocolate fountain, fruit and cheeses. Catering was by the Montreal General Hospital’s Hospitality Corner. Part of the funds raised from the Spring Soirée will be going to the hospital.

Photo: Martin C. Barry