Heybrook Hoedown: “The Best Ever” by Ann Darlington, President FOHR

“The best Hoedown ever”: that’s how more than one of the 120 or so participants described this year’s annual fundraiser, held at the River House on November 5th.

There’s no doubt we all had a wonderful time, and we raised money for trails on Heybrook Ridge County Park to boot. Early estimates are that we will have at least $3500 profit to put towards our “phase two” trail, slated for development in 2017. We envision a nearly flat, meandering wetland path that can be enjoyed by all, including those seeking a stroller or wheelchair-accessible saunter through golden-green moss covered trees.

I am moved by the dedication of the Index community to our Park… and to the unbridled enjoyment of this multi-generational, laid back yet highly energized, good ole-fashioned shindig of a party. After 9 years of annual Hoedowns, it’s become a treasured tradition. The Hoedown’s food was downright delicious, which is no surprise since it was catered by Chelan Soper and her talented, efficient and fun-loving team. Many attendees donated yummy desserts. A few of the prized ones were sold at our first-ever live auction dessert… Etta’s precious apple pie, anyone?

Speaking of auctions, we owe huge thanks to all who donated items to both the silent and the live auctions. Rib the Rapping Auctioneer and eager, generous participants meant that the Patrick Woods painting and the Peter Ali flute together brought in nearly $600.

 

The silent auction netted about a thousand bucks, through the sales of cool donations like Kristi Douglas’s homemade chimes and Allan Peterson’s handmade cherry end tables.

Playing an assortment of native flutes, Peter Ali opened the evening’s musical experience with a lilting, spiritual blessing. Spare Rib and the Bluegrass Sauce took it from there and kept us all happy and hopping and begging for more. We love you guys!

 

And More Thanks are Due…

Thanks to the Corsons for donating their River House venue. And to our Hardworking Hoedown Team: three cheers for Organizer Extraordinaire, Anna Folsom! And to all her helpers: Rib Horst, Anna’s right-hand man and music magician; Leigh Christianson, Lenny Gugala, and Angela Seidling, who managed ticket (and other) sales at the entrance; Addie Johnson and all the kids who helped with the raffle sales; Yvonne Lawson, who oversaw t-shirt and socks sales; and Susan Chatlos-Susor, who managed the silent auction. Louise Lindgren, our ‘Thanks to You’ organizer, has by now sent notes of appreciation to our generous donors. With sincere gratitude, the board of the Friends of Heybrook Ridge applauds these volunteers and all of our supporters.