It was a last-minute scramble for organizers of the 9th annual CWE Cocktail Party, directing crews who were transforming Euclid Ave. into party central, while at the same time the last of the tree debris from the May 16th tornado was being hauled away adjacent to Lenox Place.
When the 5 o’clock hour approached and people of all ages started arriving, the vibe was established. St. Louis was ready for some fun after the trauma of the tornado and weeks of relentless rain. The turnout was recorded at 3700 people, an uptick from 2900 attendees in 2024. This annual celebration centers around what is claimed to be the first cocktail party on record, which was held in 1917 at the home of Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr., 4510 Lindell Blvd. I wonder what Mrs. Walsh and her guests would think of the modern-day street parties that commemorate that event?
Local restaurants served signature cocktails, which drew long lines throughout the evening. This year. the CWE North CID, led by Executive Director Kate Haher, partnered with Operation Food Search to raise money for tornado relief efforts . $2392 was raised by collecting $1 from the sale of each signature cocktail for the charity. The money went directly toward the charities’ work providing food, clean water, and personal care supplies to those most affected.
9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning, above, appeared on the MainStage with Kate Haher, and gave a big welcome to the crowd and a shout-out to all those who were dealing with the aftermath of the tornado. He also praised CWE-based community organizations for expediting the quick clean up of the neighborhood.
Artist Tièliere Cheatam discussed their art with an admirer.
Participating restaurants included Drunken Fish, 
Dressel’s Public House,
The Chase Club and Preston’s. Not pictured are El Burro Loco, Edera, UpDown, Patty Long Catering, Saigon Cafe and Twisted Ranch.
One of the highlights of the event is the Cocktail Contest. Judges, left, had what some would argue to be the best job—sampling and then choosing the winners. They were: 1st Place, Mixologist Andrew Devall with Brennan’s and Yellowbelly, Second Place, Ben VanGundy with Herbie’s and Kingside Diner, and the 3rd Place Winner was Amanda Crawford with the Saint Louis Club in Clayton.
Ish Ensemble was one of the bands performing on two stages situated at either end of the party zone. Other bands that performed were The Playadors, The Mighty Pines, and Hard Bop Messenger.
The CWE Cocktail Party is a family affair, so there were kiddie cocktails and cotton candy too.
A 360 Video Booth, an updated version of the old-fashioned photo booth, was really popular. 
And designer pancakes from Joy of Pancakes were also a big hit.
Gratitude to CWE North CID’s Kate Haher and Nina Emerson for the fantastic evening. And thanks to the Community Sponsors: Sauce, St. Louis Magazine, St. Louis Arc, Barkeep, and Brake Landscape and Lawncare for their support.
Cocktails for a cause event especially moving this June — Courage and Community a potent combo. Bravo as usual Nicki, for finger on the pulse.