Yelling & Celebrating
Junior League gala gives Fort Worth rodeo a grand entrance at Dickies Arena
What: Junior League of Fort Worth 8th Annual Grand Entry Gala
Where: Dickies Arena
The 411: Just eight years old, the Junior League's annual Grand Entry Gala has become one of the hottest tickets in town. This year, the buzz built early, as it would be moving to the new Dickies Arena, just days before the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo would come barreling in for the first time.
The "night as big as Texas" attracted more than 950 attendees, including a who's who of Fort Worth — among them, honorary chairs Marty Leonard and Madelon Leonard Bradshaw. Adorned in their Western-chic best, Junior League members and distinguished guests descended on the arena's fresh dirt floor for a night of dinner, cocktails, auction, and live music.
After a delectable meal catered by Dickies' new on-site kitchen, guests turned their attention to the stage, where country sensation Darius Rucker played a show of his greatest hits ("Alright," "Wagon Wheel," "Come Back Song"), as well as a few covers, including “No Diggity” and the famous Hootie and Blowfish ballad “Only Wanna Be with You.”
Event chairs Rachael Quisinberry and Erica Pifer helmed the star-studded evening, while Junior League president Ashley Freer presided. Guests sang along and danced the night away, all while raising money for Junior League's many civic projects in Fort Worth.
Junior League's mission is to promote volunteerism, develop the potential in women, and improve the lives of women and children in the community. Junior League continues its partnership with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo by "yelling and selling" official rodeo programs throughout the event, which runs through February 8.
Who: Kathy Harrelson, Chris Curtis, Sara Dameron, Paul Leonard, Cindy Leonard, Lauren Leonard, Paula Lansford, Bob Lansford, Amy Bailey, Kelsey Patterson, Paige Randel, John Martin, Tracy Martin, Corey Hawkins, Ashley Hawkins, Natalie Martin, Brant Martin, Cami Thompson, James Thompson, Lizzie Sell, Rob Sell, Blair Walker, John Walker, Erin Glover, Perry Glover, Caroline Lamsens, Frank Lamsens, and many more.