Bite Night fundraiser

Take a sip, take a bite; and then leave a bit of money for music enthusiasts.

The Sweetwater County Concert Association will sponsor the 20th annual Bite Night Food and Beverage Show Feb. 20 from 6-9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Ballroom.

This event will feature entertainment by "Don't Quit Your Day Job!," a vocal ensemble consisting of Marlys Cicsar, Jill Carpenter, Mike Curtis and Bill Hoyt. Also providing entertainment will be Joe Barbuto and Friends. Master of ceremonies for the evening will be John Kennedy.

This year features more than 30 food vendors who will provide samplings, or "bites," of their selected specialty items. Nine wine and liquor vendors will provide tastings and microbrews will also be sampled; soft drinks and coffee will be available.

A highlight of the evening is the silent auction. Numerous local merchants and artists have donated a variety of merchandise and original art objects for the auction, as well as for special giveaways. Gift baskets, professional services, cosmetic treatments and gift certificates from area restaurants and merchants will be among the many additional items showcased during the evening.

Art objects donated by local artists include, handmade jewelry, original wood working, photography, paintings, pottery and glassware. There will also be door prizes and raffles running throughout the evening.

To celebrate this milestone, "20th Annual Bite Night" commemorative glasses will be given to the first 200 people in attendance.

Bite Night is the only annual fundraiser for the association and assists them in providing top quality professional entertainment at minimal cost, which they have done in Sweetwater County for more than 75 years. As the price of booking professional artists continues to escalate, the concert association depends increasingly upon events such as Bite Night; the association remains committed to not raising ticket prices if at all possible.

The association is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Sweetwater County Board of Cooperative Educational Services. It is run by local volunteers and has no paid staff. Their artists are booked through Allied Concert Services in Minneapolis.

Many of the touring artists also provide assemblies, programs and master classes for students in both school districts and at Western Wyoming Community College in addition to their evening concert. The concert association also sponsors a scholarship program for local music students needing financial assistance for items such as instrument rental, appropriate concert attire or travel expenses. The association frequently partners with SBOCES and WWCC in providing educational opportunities to area students.

The association also has reciprocity with the Cheyenne and Craig, Colo., associations. The local association season tickets are valid at any concert association performances in those two communities. Members of the association may also attend any performance of the Desert Dance Theatre at WWCC as part of the season.

Tickets for Bite Night are $30 each and the number is limited. They are currently available at both the Rock Springs and Green River chambers of commerce. The Holiday Inn is also offering a special room rate to people who attend Bite Night.