The Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society (OBCCPS) is pleased to announce its 2nd Annual Blanco “True Grit” Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament to be held on October 15, 2011, from 10:30am to 2:30pm in the upstairs Courtroom of the Old Blanco County Courthouse on the Courthouse Square in Blanco.

The Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament is one of four community events being sponsored and conducted by OBCCPS, a private non-profit organization, on Saturday, October 15, as part of its 21st annual benefit to raise money for the continued preservation and enhancement of the Old Courthouse, located in the heart of Blanco. Other events, open to all interested persons, include a Family Festival, free to the greater Blanco community from 11:00am to 3:00pm on the grounds of the Old Blanco Courthouse featuring children-oriented events and live entertainment by Zydeco Blanco, the 2011 “boots and bling” Gala Dinner and Live and Silent Auction ($50/person) including entry to the Street Dance following the Gala, and a community Street Dance featuring Gary Glenn and the 20x Band starting at 8:30pm on Pecan Street, east of the Courthouse ($10 entry fee at the gate).

Entry to the Tournament is $50/person if registration is received by September 30, 2011, and $60/person thereafter. There will be an opportunity to re-buy into the tournament for $40 if eliminated early and a final chance to refresh your chips later in the tournament before the final table is determined. Mail your registration fee and names of entrants to OBCCPS, P.O. Box 302, Blanco, TX 78606 or drop off at the Courthouse Visitor’s Center to Lesley Griffin, Courthouse Manager.

This year’s Blanco “True Grit” Hold ‘Em Tournament is open to all competitors who want to vie not only for the title of Blanco Champion but compete for valuable awards for the top three finishers. Entry is limited to the first 100 registrants. Last year’s top three finishers were: 1st Place-Greg Harkinson from Houston; 2nd Place-Randall Gafford from Blanco and 3rd Place-Kary Phipps from Blanco, who will be defending their titles.

The Tournament will begin promptly at 10:30am upstairs in the Courtroom of the Old Courthouse, site of the filming of the movie “True Grit” produced by the Coen Brothers and starring Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin and Matt Damon. It will feature professionally trained dealers and “pit boss” and Las Vegas-style tables and chips from Casino Fun of San Antonio, who conducts numerous charity events including for the San Antonio Rodeo. Free refreshments are available courtesy of the Real Ale Brewing Company of Blanco and other donors. All participants making the final table will receive a special keepsake.

The first place winner will receive a luxury trip for two to the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, including $200/person airline vouchers, a luxury suite for two nights, free limo transportation to and from the Las Vegas Airport, a $200 voucher at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, and $350 in free chip play and in other casino credits. Second place will receive a free Caribbean Cruise for two, and third place will receive two nights free at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino and dinner for two at Binyon’s Steakhouse in Bossier City, Louisiana.

For more information, contact Jeff at 214-394-9270 or Leslie at 830-833-2211.