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Photos by and courtesy of Ron C. Clarke
May 6, 2025
Lakehills Library Kentucky Derby Gala a fast runner
By Ron C. Clarke
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera County neighbors gathered on Saturday for the annual Lakehills Library fundraising gala. This year, the gala theme was Kentucky Derby Day, where the horses were fast, but the Bandera County Kentucky Derby hats were faster!
The event was well-attended by library supporters and neighbors, as the 151st Kentucky Derby played on the large screen in the library’s community room. While Derby enthusiasts watched expectantly, youth volunteers from Bandera County and the Lakehills 4H Club circulated with hors-d-oeuvres provided by library volunteers, which included shrimp cocktail, brisket sliders, heavy macaroni and cheese, fruit skewers, and a variety of cheese and charcuterie cold meats, as well as handmade desserts such as cheesecake, rum balls and homemade cupcakes.
In true derby tradition, everyone enjoyed mint juleps, which flowed as well as a wine and cocktail/mocktail bar. Supporters wandered from display to display that featured the many different programs provided by the Lakehills Library, including technology classes, genealogy, computer classes, and various clubs including the popular Garden Club.
Local business including True Value Hardware, BEC, Lakehills Animal Health, New Life Resale, Bandera Jewelers, The Cutaway Salon, and Monte Alteza, among many others, donated huge tables of silent auction items.
In addition to the homemade food, Derby Gala attendees enjoyed Derby Bingo icebreakers, Derby trivia, and a “by the numbers” game that had attendees seeking answers from each other following a Kentucky Derby theme, while they enjoyed live country music hits from Natalie Rose.
Contests were held for “Best Hat,” “Best Bowtie,” “Best Dressed Derby Couple,” and “Best Dressed.”
The Lakehills Library is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization which relies heavily on donations. You can donate by visiting their website, sending a check, or donating online at their website www.lakehillslibary.org.
The event was well-attended by library supporters and neighbors, as the 151st Kentucky Derby played on the large screen in the library’s community room. While Derby enthusiasts watched expectantly, youth volunteers from Bandera County and the Lakehills 4H Club circulated with hors-d-oeuvres provided by library volunteers, which included shrimp cocktail, brisket sliders, heavy macaroni and cheese, fruit skewers, and a variety of cheese and charcuterie cold meats, as well as handmade desserts such as cheesecake, rum balls and homemade cupcakes.
In true derby tradition, everyone enjoyed mint juleps, which flowed as well as a wine and cocktail/mocktail bar. Supporters wandered from display to display that featured the many different programs provided by the Lakehills Library, including technology classes, genealogy, computer classes, and various clubs including the popular Garden Club.
Local business including True Value Hardware, BEC, Lakehills Animal Health, New Life Resale, Bandera Jewelers, The Cutaway Salon, and Monte Alteza, among many others, donated huge tables of silent auction items.
In addition to the homemade food, Derby Gala attendees enjoyed Derby Bingo icebreakers, Derby trivia, and a “by the numbers” game that had attendees seeking answers from each other following a Kentucky Derby theme, while they enjoyed live country music hits from Natalie Rose.
Contests were held for “Best Hat,” “Best Bowtie,” “Best Dressed Derby Couple,” and “Best Dressed.”
The Lakehills Library is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization which relies heavily on donations. You can donate by visiting their website, sending a check, or donating online at their website www.lakehillslibary.org.