Golf carts were flying around the track at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum as the inaugural James L. Stewart Memorial St. Michaels Grand Prix took off Sunday at noon. More than $5,000 was raised for the American Diabetes Foundation by the time the final lap was run.
In memory of Stewart of St. Michaels, who died in August 2010 of complications from diabetes, the event was created by his friends and neighbors who wanted to remember and celebrate his life in a fun way.
Ten teams representing local businesses competed in the golf cart race. Each team decorated their golf carts and offered food and drinks for sale. It was a tough race. Rules were broken every step of the way, race officials were bribed and every possible trick was turned in order to raise money.
With carts careening around the hay-bale-lined track, beer flowing freely and the sounds of Three Penny Opera in the background, the event had a fantastic start.
Chris Agharabi, owner of Ava’s Restaurant where Stewart worked, organized the event and was the master of ceremonies. He was overheard saying, “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen. Who ever heard of anything this crazy? I love it.”
Participating teams represented Carpenter Street Saloon, Ava’s Restaurant, Janes for James – female friends of Stewart, Foxy’s Marina Grill and Bar, CBMM, Eastern Shore Tents and Events, Bridges Land Management, Gourmet by the Bay, Chesapeake Bay Outfitters and the Five Gables Inn.
The first few rounds were fast and furious. After the second round, Agharabi introduced some real craziness to the mix.
“You’re allowed and expected to cheat,” he boomed into the microphone, and with that, “Animal House” – the cart sponsored by Chesapeake Bay Outfitters – jumped the track, spun around and took off down the track in the opposite direction. The crowd went wild.
Each round took a new turn. “This time, after the first lap, each driver must eat one cup of meatballs,” Agharabi said. And it went from that to drink a beer, eat a grilled-cheese sandwich, eat two hot dogs and lick hot sauce from a cup and on and on. The teams were willing and competitive and were rewarded with dinner for six at Ava’s.
Langley Shook, President of CBMM, took his turn at the helm of the Museum’s cart, in a round that began with a cold beer. Unfortunately, he was stopped halfway through by Police Chief Miguel Dennis, who jumped onto the scene with a grin, and the crowd roared when Shook took off again, chasing the competition.
The crowd was packed with locals and museum visitors, who were clearly delighted. Everyone from Talbot County was cheered up by the sight of Carpenter Street owner Diana Mautz, who arrived in a wheelchair, smiling and supporting her team. C-Street was the winning team at halftime, having raised the most money for the event.
The best bribe of the day? Cash, for the American Diabetes Foundation. Jen Stevens, of the organizing team, reminded the crowd that November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and offered thanks to all participants and Kelly Distributing, Salisbury Gifts, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for their support.
It was a successful, fun day with generous support for the American Diabetes Foundation, in loving memory of Stewart. His friends all agreed that he would have loved this event.[slideshow id=57]
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