“It was awesome,” is how one attendee described the Eastland County Museum’s first annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night, “people seemed to be having a great time playing the games and enjoying the large assortment of food.” There appeared to be approximately 60 in attendance for the event.
“Being our first time to host such an event was a little nerve wracking,” stated Museum board member Vicki Armstrong, “but we are thrilled with the response and look forward to our Second Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night. The casino games were provided by eMotion Entertainment out of Clyde, and are a game teaching staff and were not only fun but very professional.”
For their $25 ticket, attendees received $250 in casino money and had the option to play Craps, Blackjack or Roulette. “The tables stayed fully occupied most of the three hours of game play,” stated board member Natillee Fornes, “many played the entire time at the same table. But a few were not looked upon by Lady Luck!”
Following game play, each player cashed in their “winnings” for raffle tickets where they then had an assortment of items to once again try their luck. Thanks to Eastland Heaven Sent Floral, Majestic Theatre, Greer’s Western Store, Eastland Memorial Hospital Sunshine Shoppe and Museum board members for donating raffle prizes.
Ticket holders not only received their casino money but had an assortment of “heavy” hors d’oeuvres which included a huge charcuterie table, a variety of pizza and teas from Rip’s Pizzeria, pork tamales, beef and chicken sliders from Spanky’s Catering, soup, black eyed peas, chips, dips and several desserts. Adult beverages were provided at a cash bar by Bear Creek Tap House.
Eastland County Museum would like to thank our sponsors for the event: Jeff & Vicki Bradley, Karl Richter, Rhyne Hobbs and Marsh McLennan Agency, Clint Coffee State Farm, EBAA Iron, Rip’s Pizzeria, and Spanky’s Catering (James Doyle).
“We would like to thank all those who bought tickets and came and had fun,” said board member Terry Simmons, “our goal was not only to fundraise for the Museum, but to offer something different, safe and fun for people to do on the special night. The games ended early enough for those who wanted to go on and attend other NYE events or parties, or to get home and in front of the tv to watch the ball drop at midnight.” Simmons went on to say that the board is appreciative for the response and looks forward to making the event an annual fundraiser.
