2nd annual Denim & Diamonds set for Aug. 22
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ELKINS - The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to "dust off your boots" and attend the second-annual Denim & Diamonds event.
The event is set for Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Dakan Arena at 4-H Camp Pioneer in Beverly. The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and entertainment will begin at 6 p.m.
Denim & Diamonds is a 21-and-older event, offering a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including live entertainment, shopping from local vendors, varieties of food, a photo booth, dancing, contests and more.
Last year's inaugural Denim & Diamonds "exceeded our expectations," Karrah Washington, executive director of the Chamber, told The Inter-Mountain. "It brought together people from throughout Randolph County and beyond for an evening of entertainment, networking and community, while also supporting ERCCC and 4-H Camp Pioneer."
Due to the event's success, the Chamber brought it back again this year.
"We received wonderful feedback from attendees who appreciated having a unique adults-only event in our area," Washington added. "Based on that positive response, we knew it was something worth bringing back and expanding."
This year's event will directly support 4-H Camp Pioneer by donating a portion of the proceeds to the organization.
Washington said that for the second Denim &Diamonds, "Our goal is to create a fun, memorable evening that brings people together while supporting two important organizations in our community."
She also explained how the event serves as a fundraiser for the ERCCC, "allowing us to continue providing advocacy, networking opportunities, leadership development, educational programming and events that strengthen our local business community."
The main attraction of the evening will be a bridle-less cutting horse demonstration, presented by the Allegheny Equine Veterinary Service. This demonstration style is derived from traditional ranch work and involves a trained horse and rider separating a single cow from a herd.
Once the cow is "cut," the rider releases the reins, letting the horse use its natural instinct to keep the cow away from the herd. The horses are judged on their ability to keep a total of two to three cows out of the herd for two and a half minutes.
Guests will also have an opportunity to participate in four "bling" contests, sponsored by Lukestone Legacy. All attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme with the competition. Categories for the bling contests are best blinged boots, best blinged cowboy hat, best blinged outfit and best blinged couple.
"Participation is easy - just come dressed in your favorite denim, western wear or sparkly attire and have fun!" Washington explained. "There is no need to sign up, our anonymous judges will be watching throughout the evening and selecting winners based on creativity, originality, overall presentation and how well participants capture the Denim & Diamonds theme."
In addition to the bling contests, the Elkins Sewing Center will once again host its Bling Station, where guests can customize apparel with sparkles and gems. The ERCCC encourages attendees to bring their Denim & Diamonds shirts and other clothing items to decorate during the event.
New this year will be a photo booth, provided by NineSeven Studio, LLC. Guests will have the opportunity to capture memories with fun props and receive instant digital copies of their photos, compliments of Davis Trust Company.
Denim & Diamonds will showcase multiple local food vendors: Ging Rolls and Pancit, Sarah's Backyard County Creations, Crazy Kate's Kettle Corn and The Sippin' Shack. Additionally, Third Street Tattoo will be offering permanent jewelry services.
"Events like this help strengthen our local economy by encouraging people to support local businesses while creating an atmosphere where our community can come together to celebrate," Washington said.
"We hope attendees leave with new connections, great memories and a greater appreciation for the businesses and organizations that invest in our community," by inviting local companies to participate in the event. She also hopes that the vendors and sponsors benefit. "It's an opportunity to increase visibility, build relationships and engage directly with potential customers in a fun and relaxed setting."
The Medved Farms Hat Bar will also be returning, providing guests with the opportunity to custom design a hat with burning, branding, feathers and additional accessories.
The ERCCC has been hosting weekly line dancing classes in preparation for the event. There is an entry fee for the classes but they are open to all ages and experience levels. The classes are every Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. and will run until the Denim & Diamonds event. These classes designed for attendees to learn, meet other guests and build excitement leading up to the event.
Washington explained that the classes have been "well-received and helped create a sense of community even before the main event."
By having the opportunity to gain comfortability with the skills beforehand, Washington said, "it's been wonderful to see participants return each week with more confidence and enthusiasm," and attendees have shared that "the classes gave them the confidence to get out on the dance floor during the event.
Tickets to Denim & Diamonds include admission, one complimentary drink, and access to the horse cutting show, all remaining line dancing classes before the event and all evening activities and entertainment. Businesses, families and groups are able to reserve tables for an additional charge, which include reserved seating and business recognition.
For more information and ticket purchasing, visit the ERCC social media pages or the Chamber's website.