For more details, go to: www.AuburnBWBall.com
Contact: Auburn Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Cosgrove
530-885-5616 ext. 226
Auburn ’s Black & White Ball is Set for August 29, 2009
The social event of the season for the entire foothills region east of Sacramento is set for August 29h, 2009 starting at 8:30 p.m. , when an estimated 6,000 revelers will descend on the beautiful Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn. “Summer Nights ~ It's America, Anywhere USA” is the theme of the 2009 Auburn Black & White Ball, the eighteenth anniversary of the community’s signature event whose proceeds help fund the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and support local charities.
From modest beginnings as a local fund-raiser, the Auburn Black & White Ball has exploded into a major production drawing revelers from all over northern California. The attraction is simple: the entire Fairgrounds is fenced in for the party, comprised of three giant venues featuring popular bands, some 50 stations serving cuisine from the best restaurants and caterers in the area and non-stop dancing outdoors, under the stars.
Because the venue is enclosed, participants are welcome to enjoy a wide array of adult beverages as they roam about the streets, many dressed in elaborate fashions tied to the Ball’s theme. It is definitely a place to see and be seen, though you must be 21 to enter.
“Each year the program escalates on every level,” said Rosie Mietzel, Ball Entertainment chairperson, “but this year with the Summer Nights theme, were expecting it to be a true happening.”
Beginning three months before the ball, hundreds of volunteers and professionals transform the fairgrounds into a magical playground through staging and fanciful decorations. When the gates are cast open, throngs of party-goers will enter, attired in costumes, tuxedos and creative fashions of all kinds, predominately color choices of black and white.
Carefully selected musical groups are key to the success of Auburn’s Black & White Ball. “We work hard to select the best groups across a wide range of musical preferences,” explained Mietzel. “From rock to country to jazz, we’ve got powerful groups that are true crowd pleasers.”
Groups under contract this year are Love Train, The Crawdaddios, The Legendary Doo Wah Riders, and California's favorite party band ~ Ronny & the Classic. Non-stop music is guaranteed all evening.
“Our typical guest enjoys the finer things in life,” said Mietzel, “So this year, our Summer Nights Lounge will appeal to these people by offering a wide range of specialties beyond what has been traditionally offered at bars located throughout the Ball.” Visitors to the Lounge may enjoy martinis, specialty drinks, fine local wines and even desserts, and coffee.
The Black & White Ball would not be possible without the support of more many generous sponsors. More than 40 local restaurants and caterers will showcase their cuisine. Raley’s/BelAir Markets will also be back, serving up a wide array of appetizers, including tri-tip. Both firms also provide highly valued promotional assistance.
Nearly 100 other businesses, including Bootleggers, Mussetter Distributing, Auburn Placer Disposal Service and the City of Auburn stepped up to support the event in 2008, and an equal number of sponsors is expected for 2009.
The fun actually starts on the Friday before the ball with the annual Black & White Ball Golf Classic at the Auburn Country Club. The field is limited to 144 duffers, and the cost to participate is $155. Call the Chamber for reservations.
“More than 400 volunteers work hard to stage this event,” Mietzel said. “And they’re going to make "Summer Nights ~ It's America, Anywhere USA" an event people will be talking about for months.”
Tickets for the Black & White Ball are $70 per person and can be purchased online at www.AuburnBWBall.com, at participating Raley’s/BelAir Markets (where $10 discount vouchers are available) or by calling the Auburn Chamber at 530-885-5616, or from out of the area call 800-971-1888 (press 4). More information is available at the Ball’s web site, www.AuburnBWBall.com.