Town and Country party debuts in 2011

Casper – This year the Natrona County 4-H Foundation will host the Inaugural Town and Country Party on Dec. 10 at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper.
    “For over 50 years, the Ag Chamber Committee, through the Chamber of Commerce, has hosted the Ranch City Party. In recent years, the Natrona County 4-H Council has been their event partner and raised money for the 4-H program through the silent auction,” says the Foundation. “In February, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors made the decision not to host the 2011 Ranch City Party.”
    Foundation secretary Carol Whitney says, “We didn’t want to see the event go away.”
    In response, the group decided to host the Town and Country Party to raise money for 4-Hers in Natrona County.
    All revenue from the event will be distributed between the 4-H council and the 4-H Foundation to fund scholarships, grants to committees, youth clinics, educational materials, leader training and recruitment efforts.
    The mission of the Natrona County 4-H Foundation is to develop youth and adult potential by securing new resources and expanding existing resource investments in 4-H. Members of the Foundation include Foundation President Terry Stretesky, Treasurer Rick Griffith, Secretary Carol Whitney, Donna Cuin, Dusty Porter, Cathy Sears, Brandi Forgey, Tom Valdez, Jo Keith, Saige Albert and Natrona County 4-H Extension Educator Colleen Campbell.
    The exclusive sponsor of the event is Greenline Equipment, with major sponsorship by the Casper Star Tribune, Honnen Equipment, Leland Foundation and the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
    Other contributing sponsors include Farm Credit Services, First Interstate Bank, Hilltop National Bank, Jonah Bank, Mountain States Litho, Murdoch’s and Wyoming Machinery.
    The event will feature dinner by Arrowhead Catering, as well as a silent auction, a craft and trade show and games. Following dinner, the Dakota Country Band will provide music.
    Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 7:30 with dancing from 8 to midnight. Tickets are available in advance at the 4-H office or Murdoch’s for $10 per person or at the door for $15. Children seven and younger get admission for free.
    For those interested in participating in the craft and trade show, spaces are still available.
    “We are reserving booth space on a first come, first pay basis for only $100,” says the Foundation. “The price of booth rental also includes two tickets for dinner.”
    “There are expectations of a big crowd for the 2011 Inaugural Town and Country Party, as this community has always been a huge supporter of 4-H, and who doesn’t like a great celebration,” continues the 4-H Foundation.
    The event will also honor the first Community Spirit Award winner. Nominees are those citizens who foster community development and serve the Casper area. The winners will receive a plaque, recognition at the event and eight complimentary tickets, as well as their name displayed in the ARLC building.
    Whitney says, “Where else can you get dinner, dancing and fun for only $10?”
    For tickets or more information, call 307-235-9400. Saige Albert is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.