Pull out the boots and shine up the jewelry because the Friends of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum are planning a night of sparkling, western-themed fun. Denim and Diamonds, a fundraiser to benefit the museum, is set for Friday, Aug. 9, at the Shrine Club in Starkville.
Stetsons and gemstones, jeans and jewels are acceptable attire for this festive, informal event that begins at 6 p.m. and features a barbecue buffet dinner by Little Dooey, a silent auction, live music and dancing.
“Denim and Diamonds is the only major fundraising event sponsored by the Friends of the Museum (FOM) to support much-needed improvements and program development of the Museum,” explained Warren Housley, a member of FOM.
Tickets are $35, available at The Book Mart and Cafe at 120 E. Main St. in Starkville, as well as the museum at 206 Fellowship St. during regular operation hours of 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets may also be purchased from Denim and Diamond committee members.
All proceeds benefit the museum, and a portion of each ticket is tax deductible.
The dinner of barbecue pork, chicken, beans, slaw, corn salad and dessert — as well as beverages including tea, wine and beer — will be followed by a raffle for a piece of fine jewelry, a silent auction of choice items and dancing to music by Bill Cooke and his Kanna Wermz band.
“There will be line and square dancing demonstrations as well,” noted Housley.
Two individuals will be honored by the FOM Board of Directors during the evening as “Legends: Past and Present.” These local citizens have left important footprints during their lifetimes and have contributed in many ways to the heritage of the county, Housley said.
The museum is operated solely by volunteers and owned by the City of Starkville. It houses varied collections related to Oktibbeha County’s history. They include Native American displays and Civil War artifacts, sports memorabilia, vintage city photos, an interactive children’s corner and more.
For more information about Denim and Diamonds, contact Patsy Stuart at 662-323-5551. To learn more about the museum, visit oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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