Nathan Straus Photo The Cattle Baron's Committee In Truck: Bud Henry, Jerry Scott, Marsha Bourne, Pam Burton, Art Kaikkonen, Janice Ellis- Gala Chair, Dean Wright, Jayme Perelli, Judith McGilvray, Dennis Mack, Joyce Pearcy, Betty Abendroth, Dan Winfrey, Standing: Betty Strongbow, Jeannie Hulsey, Terry Ellis, Sarah Parish, JoAnn Kaikkonen, Elizabeth Kellow, Mary Waddell, Charla Hendrix, Rita Evans, Claudette Allsup, Jerry Waddell, Kim Walker, Ute Mack and horse Meggie. The Henderson County Cattle Baron's Ball is right around the corner. The main event begins Saturday at 7 pm in the Fairpark Complex on Highway 31 in Athens.

According to Dennis Mack, chairman of the Cattle Baron's Public Relations Committee, said the ticket price includes a meal and drinks.

"The food is from Saddler's Smokehouse in Jacksonville," he said. "It's going to be a great meal with Porterhouse steaks or chicken breasts for those who prefer chicken."

There will be all kinds of items up for auction at the Cattle Baron's silent and live auction. The most recently added items include an autographed jersey from Cowboy's #82, Jason Whitten, which comes with four tickets on the 45-yard line to the last Cowboys home game of the season. The jersey package is donated by McDonald's. Also for purchase are a Texas registered Longhorn bull and Belted Galloway bull. There's a guided fishing trip to Lake El Salto in Mexico, a one or two day duck hunt for up to four people and a meat package from Y's Hometown Foods in Brownsboro, along with a gas grill to cook it on.

Mack said the golf tournament at the Athens Country Club that leads into the Cattle Baron's Ball starts Friday, and it's not too late to register. If a hole-in-one is made during the tournament, the shot could win a convertible from Bacon Auto Ranch. For those who don't want to play through, numbered balls can be purchased. These will be dropped from a helicopter and prizes can be won depending on where the ball lands.

The Keith Mitchell Band will play at the Cattle Baron's Ball. Originally from the Athens area, the band was voted the number one Country and Western band in the Dallas area.

"I think everyone will be pleased with the hard work that's going into this," Mack said.

The Ball will have a riderless horse ceremony, a tree of life that will be auctioned near the end of the event, a putting green, a 52-card draw, and these are just some of the items that haven't been saved as pleasant surprises.

Mack said tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event, but added it would be preferable to receive notice so enough food can be prepared for everyone.

Reservations can be made by calling Mary Waddell at 903-675-4617. For questions, contact Event Chairman Janice Ellis at 214-533- 7150.

The Cattle Baron's Ball is an American Cancer Society event. For information on the American Cancer Society and more on the Ball, contact Kimberly Squyres at 903- 597-1383.