By DANA CHRISTENSEN
An event that is a personal favorite of mine takes place in the Forest Service Park in Ketchum from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 25. The 10th Annual Best of the Valley benefits the new teen center in Hailey, the Hub. It includes great food, live entertainment, a silent auction and raffle, and even activities for children. Not only is it always fun to volunteer at and attend, but it's for such a good cause
In its first year in operation, the Hub served over 500 youth in over 5,000 visits. I was involved in the planning and creation of the teen center and have seen first hand how much good has come from this program. The continued services offered at the teen center are possible because of fundraising from Best of the Valley.
Some of the best restaurants throughout the valley bring their most popular dishes to the event. A few food tickets—which you purchase there—can get you a taste of what is offered on their menus regularly. This year, we have 18 restaurants participating, including CK's, Chester and Jake's, East Avenue Bistro, KB's, Ketchum Grill, Perry's, Roosevelt, Lauren Carr Catering, Starbucks, Globus, Sun Valley Brewing Company, Rik Lum Catering, Sun Valley Ice Cream Company, Bigwood Bread, Pioneer, Smoky Mountain Pizza and Nouveau Beverage.
The raffle and silent auction are going to be great this year. Generous businesses have been donating prizes and items to auction off, and this year we have some excellent items including Smith sunglasses, a snowboard lease package from Board Bin, jewelry from Christopher and Company, massage gift certificates, custom foot beds 30" fire pit from Fireplaces, Etc. and much more. Raffle tickets are sold at the event and cost $1. Silent auction items go to the highest bid.
We will also have great live entertainment provided by two bands, the Bruce Innes Trio and Young People with Faces.
The children's activities are always a big hit. Kid's Knoll activities include face painting, rock decorating, necklace making, golf putt, mountain bike exhibition, balloon animals and a bouncy castle. All these activities are free of charge, except for the cakewalk, which will cost one ticket.
The event is co-sponsored by the Blaine County Recreation District and YAK! General Admission is just $6 for adults and $3 for children. Food tickets are one dollar each.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Dana Christensen is a YAK!/BCTAC Member and an incoming senior at the Wood River High School in Hailey.
Dana Christensen
