What a delightful springtime afternoon for an al fresco shindig Saturday, which is surely why more than 700 young professionals streamed for the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's young professionals party. The "Bayou Bash," hosted by the eco-conscious cluster knows as the Bayou Buddies, baked in the sunshine that made the Sabine to Bagby Promenade a rolling meadow in which to see and be seen.
But it wasn't a good day for crawfish as more than 800 pounds of steamy crustaceans, provided by Louisiana Foods, were no match for the hungry crowd, who were hanging loose around picnic tables and tents. The only survivors were Speedy, Sunshine and Summer, the three crawly creatures that entertained guests at the Yelp crawfish race.
It wasn't a good day for crawfish as more than 800 pounds of steamy crustaceans, provided by Louisiana Foods, were no match for the hungry crowd.
And beer? Who knows how many kegs of Saint Arnold Brewing Company suds were siphoned dry. Barefoot Wine & Bubbly mimosas were just as in-demand.
A waterside stage was home base for bands Electric Attitude and The Journey Agents to add their lively tunes — not far from the quay from where pontoon boats sailed up and down the gentle currents.
All the outdoor fun didn't distract from the event's mission, which raised $30,000 through a silent auction that featured goodies such as a Revival Market basket, art by Mei Chang Stansbury and travel packages.
Basking in the sun with executive director Anne Olson and PR director Trudi Smith were good-doing Young Professionals from Gensler, Frost Bank, Katy Optiks and The Morgan Group, alongside Jason Fuller, Tom Broughton, Meghan Miller, Bill Kelly, Kellie Dupree, Daniel Romero, Bob Fretz, Leslye Weaver, Suzanne Weaver, Jack Blanton, Thomas Thornton, Caroline Urquhart, John Andell, Tony Essalih and Brittany Taggart.
