The wind and rain forced the cancellation of some of the Pride in Port activities, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of the partygoers at the annual Pride in Port dinner dance. Over 250 people danced the night away to the music of the Juke Box Saturday Nite band, while sampling scrumptious food from Port Washington's best eateries.

According to dance chair Bill Solomon, over 250 Port Washingtonians attended the event, which was held in the festively decorated Polish American Hall. We danced to the live (and lively) music of the band, which played tunes old and new, with a heavy emphasis on classic rock and roll. The guests ate heartily of the food generously donated by Port Washington restaurants, including Bagel Time, Bayview Deli, Bonsai, Carlos, Dynasty, Finn MacCool, Frank's, Gum How, Harbor Deli, Harbor Inn, Haven Diner, Hincks Deli, Louie's, Mi Ranchito, Rib Roost, Salvatore's and Shish Kebab. Delectable desserts were provided by Baked to Perfection, St. Honore and the Pride in Port Committee, including a very special Pride in Port Cake.

There were a plethora of raffle prizes, including food baskets, fire extinguishers, football tickets, gift certificates to local businesses, and many others. Over $1200 was raised for the scholarship fund by the raffle.

Also contributing to the fund were the attractively designed Pride in Port T-shirts and sweatshirts that were available for purchase. Laura Costa, committee member in charge of the shirts, wants those who missed the chance to buy a shirt at the dance to know that they are available at Arena Sports on Main Street and West Marine at the Soundview Shopping Center. Mike Knoll and his daughter, Gillian created the design, inspired by a snapshot of a sailboat in our harbor.

The proceeds from the dance, including the raffle tickets and shirts, go to provide scholarships to graduating Schreiber students. According to Costa, each scholarship is typically $500.

The 2002 Paul D. Schreiber High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were honored at the dinner dance. They are Elizabeth Hausman Holdstein '74, Elsie Imperial Tobin '48, Ann W. James '55 and Harold Rogers '61.

The Pride in Port dinner dance is a 14-year tradition, and we look forward to many more.