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HOUGHTON -- Pounds of fire-roasted salmon and pan-seared clams were on the menu at the 25th annual Seafood Gala Thursday night.

Michigan Tech Executive Chef Eric Karvonen grilled the fish with a global twist.  The international dishes included Thai watermelon crab soup, earning rave reviews from many of the guests.

"Everything was excellent," said Pat Joyce.  "We should kiss the chef, but I know the chef and that's not going to happen."

Close to 200 people paid $60 for a ticket to the charity event.  The Houghton Rotary Club organizes the event and says this weekend is their primary fund-raiser.  It typically brings in about $15-25,000.

"It seems to work best for us when we can concentrate on doing one fund-raiser a year and do it and well," said 2010 Seafood Fest Chair, Scott Blake.  "This is how we generate money for all of our projects."

Of course the event isn't only for seafood lovers.  If you stop by their pavilion this weekend, you'll also find hot dogs, hamburgers, live music, games for kids, and even a sand castle competition.

"We have all types of food and all types of beverages for anyone who wants to come down and join us," Blake said.  "Over the course of the weekend, we'll see thousand of people down here at the Waterfront Park."

The 25th annual Seafood Fest continues through midnight on Saturday.