• All proceeds go towards restoration of the Ford and programming for that space. 

Salt River Arts is hosting the 2nd Annual Gala for the Arts on Saturday, May 3 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the South Exhibit Hall of the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Salt River Arts Society and The Historic Ford Theatre.

With a fairytale theme and décor, The Gala for the Arts is an “elegant, decadent fundraiser ball,” said Jaclyn Lechner, representing Salt River Arts, in an email to SVI Media last week. “All proceeds will go towards restoring the Afton Ford Theatre, and programming for the Salt River Arts Society to create a space for artists from Star Valley to shine!”

As a formal event, the evening’s festivities include a “delicious, multi-course Italian meal” prepared by the Artisan Chef Maggie with gluten-free and vegetarian options in addition to traditional meat dishes.  Guests will receive three “coins of the realm” to spend on activities and drinks that will include a selection of mocktails, champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks, all provided by Prohibition Outpost Mobile Bartending Service.

Coins can also go toward the purchase of professional photographs taken by Julie Humphreys Photography with a “stunning background and fun fairytale props. The cost is just one coin of the realm per session.”

“The exhibit hall will be completely transformed into a woodland fairytale May festival, including a fabulous selection of plants and trees that can be adopted right on the spot,” Lechner said. “These plants can either be taken home that evening, or guests can arrange for pickup one month later when they’re ready to go into the ground.”

“Fabulous” entertainment will be provided through the Dancing with the Star Valley Stars ballroom dance competition, as well as musical performances by various local artists. Dance competition performances will be presented at the center of the ballroom while guests dine. Guests in attendance will be invited to vote on the dance competitors and winners will be announced that evening. After the competition, the ballroom will open for guests to “dance the night away!”

“Our spectacularly generous community has donated some truly incredible items to our silent auction, and only those present are able to bid,” added Lechner. “So come support the arts while being whisked away to the fairytale ball you’ve always been destined for!”

Tickets to the Gala are available at saltriverarts.com.