Over 100 people enjoyed the 9th Annual Bonnie Blue Ball on Saturday night, February 8th, at Winnsboro City Auditorium. One homeschool group alone brought 42. There were people from all over East Texas, some from other states and even one from Canada.
The 12th Louisiana from Monroe, Louisiana provided the traditional music of the times on period instruments along with Mr. Walt Trisler, a skilled caller for the Southern dances of the 1860s. The Broom Dance continues to be a very popular and fun activity for all who participate as well as those who watch! As always the band plays top-notch from the opening Grand March thru to Dixie and Auld Lang Syne. They add so much depth to the event, we thank them for coming over from Monroe! It would not be the Bonnie Blue Ball without them.
Karl and Nancy want to thank Bill and Lou Simonds for handling ‘the gate’ and ‘purse’ for the entire evening! They also made sure the thank you cards for our donors got signed. Speaking of donors: the cards of appreciation are going out in Monday’s mail to Captain Black, Gerry Weinfurther and Mr.& Mrs. Bill Raynes.
The extra flags were loaned by Mrs. Bolding and Karl Falster and Miss Julianna Schoenwald used them in her decorating theme along with an old fashioned refreshment table she set up , all of which was much appreciated. Families were encouraged to bring snacks and this was well-received.
The Ball was produced as a non-profit educational event by the Foundation for Christian Alternatives. Nancy and Karl Falster announced that this would be their last year to host the event after serving 11 years and putting together 2 Southern Historical Conferences & 9 Bonnie Blue Balls; the end of an era as they start down another path. They gave a short presentation on the focus of their new ministry, Warriors That Farm. Fortunately someone has already volunteered to serve as host for next year’s ball. We are compiling a fresh Ball-specific email list to keep you informed about upcoming balls. (See form at the top of the grey bar that is on the right side of this page.)
If you attended and took photos and videos, please share the fun with everyone by uploading or linking to them in the comments below.
And please add your email to the new list we are building so we can notify you about next year’s ball. Use the three blanks at the top of the grey bar that in on the right side of this page.
Here’s random picture…
and another…