Tickets are now on sale for the 22nd annual Rhinestones and Ropers Gala and the third annual True Grit Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament to benefit the Old Blanco County Courthouse. The annual gala, which supports the continued maintenance of the old gal through the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society, is set for Saturday, September 29.

The gala is an evening of dinner and auctions on the grounds of the courthouse. Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight and can be purchased at the Old Courthouse during regular hours – Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday from noon to 4pm – or by mail to OBCCPS, P.O. Box 302, Blanco, TX 78606. Tickets can also be purchased by credit card over the phone at 830-833-2211.

Mid-morning on Saturday, the True Grit Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament will return to the old courtroom, upstairs in the Old Courthouse, for the third year. Advance tickets to the tournament are $50 per player, and $60 at the door. Seating for the poker tournament starts at 10am, with the game beginning promptly at 10:30am. The grand prize is a luxury trip to Las Vegas – get your tickets early as seating is limited! There will be re-buys and re-fresh available during the tournament.

At 6pm, the gala starts off with appetizers, beer, and wine, followed by a prime rib dinner with all the trimmings provided by Riley’s Custom Catering. There will be chicken for guests who prefer it New York-style cheesecake for dessert. Pianist Dale McCullough will provide the evening’s entertainment.

The silent auction begins at 6pm as well, thanks to the generosity of local merchants and individuals. Donations of goods, services, and gift certificates are still being accepted. Call 830-833-2211 or drop by the Old Courthouse for details.

The highlight of the evening is an exciting live auction with incredible items up on the block, including a guitar autographed by George Strait especially for the annual gala, a three-day, four-person dove hunting trip to Argentina, and a football autographed by former University of Texas coach Darryl Royal.

The gala auctions also include a signed, limited-edition lithograph autographed by Roy Rogers and the artist (with a certificate of authenticity), a handmade patchwork quilt by Priscilla Seals, a Marlin 60SN rifle from Baker Guns, certificates from Sibby Barret’s Onion Creek Kitchens and Red Corral Ranch, an original oil painting by Dan Gilroy, and more.

The evening concludes with what promises to be a fun-filled game of chance – the winner receiving the latest Apple iPad.

Don’t miss out on this great Blanco tradition. All proceeds of the various events will benefit the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society, a tax-deductible 501(c)3 Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.historicblanco.org or by calling 830-833-2211.

Free Movie Night

This year’s courthouse weekend starts at sundown on Friday, September 28, with a free showing of the Coen Brothers’ “True Grit.” The movie will be shown on a large screen on the courthouse lawn – bring chairs or blankets. Showtime is at sundown, weather permitting.  Free popcorn will be available, and soft drinks and water for $1. Guests are also welcome to bring their own refreshments. Movie night is made possible by the generosity of the LBJ National Historical Park in cooperation with the Board of Directors of the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society.