Updated Oct. 4, 3:02 p.m.–
Featuring an afternoon of bands, bounce houses, and barbecue, the Citrus Heights Rusch House will be home to an inaugural fundraiser on October 3 to benefit a local veterans fund.
Gates are scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, with an opening ceremony kicking off at 11 a.m., followed by a “Battle of the Bands” and barbecue competition. Organizers said they’ve lined up three bands and eight different barbecue companies, with accompanying beer and wine — as well as a variety of salads and hundreds of deserts.
“It’ll have all the entertainment and food you can imagine,” said Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost, who helped spearhead the fundraiser. “It’s gonna be a fun day under a shade canopy of trees at the historic Rusch Home and gardens.”
“Battle of the Bands” is set to feature God’s Country Band, Heartbreak Time Machine, and The Rhythm Riders, with the BBQ battle featuring Texas Roadhouse, Lucille’s Smokehouse, Wild Wade’s BBQ, and others. Organizer Jack Frost said the “battles” will be decided by each attendee casting a ballot for their top BBQ and band pick — with the winner in each category receiving a trophy and $200. He also said the event will conclude with a “special, inspirational ceremony.”
Tickets for the all-you-can-eat fundraiser can be purchased online, or at the door, and are priced at $15 for an adult. Accompanying children under 12 can enter for free.
Based on contributions from the event’s many business and community sponsors, 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards the American Legion Post 637 “Vets Helping Vets Fund,” according to Mayor Frost. She credited the local veterans group with significant behind-the-scenes volunteer work in the community, which includes helping repair vehicles for veterans in need, volunteering in a “Build a Home” program for veterans, and helping mentor the local Boy Scout’s troop.
Frost said one of her goals as mayor was to help support local nonprofits in fulfilling their different missions and sees Saturday’s event as one way to fulfill that goal.
“This is just one more way to support the community organizations — because the government can’t do it all,” Frost said in a phone interview Tuesday. She said city council members are “always saying” there’s more needs than the City has money for, and believes community organizations play an important role in helping the City build a “healthy thriving local economy.”
“By helping them, we’re really helping all of us.”
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Event details:
Flier: “We Support Vets” 2015
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 7301 Antelope Rd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
