Grab your cowboy hats, riding boots, T-shirts and jeans and get ready for some do-se-do and country cookin’, at the Journey School’s annual Blue Jean Ball Thursday, Nov. 10.

Held inside the Old National Guard Armory from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the public can enjoy music from special guests and local entertainers, live and silent auctions, southern cuisine, a country store and newly added jewelry store. Tickets are $30 for singles and $50 for adults, with proceeds going towards the Journey School, a nonprofit organization, and its programs.

In its fourth year, event chair Patty Sexton said the event is the school’s biggest fundraiser.

“We’ve had tremendous advance support and a good percent of money is raised during the blue jean ball,” Sexton said. “People can mill around and eat and have a good time. It’s very casual — blue jean and cowboy boots or blue jeans and sneakers. It’s entertaining and lots of fun. Start (your) Christmas shopping early, and it all stays right here in Selma, Ala.”

With baked and canned goods from the ball’s country store for sale, Alabama versus Auburn football tickets, designer jewelry from New York, themed gift baskets, child artwork, travel packages and hunting and fishing merchandise to name a few, Sexton said the event offers something for every taste.

“You can get your picture made as a gunslinger or saloon girl … there’s all kinds of things at the auctions,” Sexton said. “My favorite thing is the artwork, the children themselves have done … we invite the community to come out.”

Journey director Renee Alsobrook said the annual ball continues to be a success.

“It’s definitely been a success,” Alsobrook said. “We appreciate everyone’s support and generosity for the school … everyone has opened up their hearts. It’s because of their support and generosity that allows us to continue our program.”

Proceeds from the event provide summer camps, developmental testing, art activities and iPad interactive programs to help students with their physical agility, hand-eye coordination, speech development and communication skills.

“It’s a very unique preschool that’s inclusive for special needs as well as mainstream children,” Sexton said. “There’s such a need for this school — special needs and typically developing children working and developing side by side.

“It’s so heartwarming to see the benefits children receive when attending the Journey School,” Sexton said. “The community has been so supportive and recognizes how much of an asset this school is.”

Sponsorship packages are also available. For more information about the event, call 872-1222 or visit thejourneyschool@yahoo.com.

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