Representatives from the Floydada and Lockney volunteer fire departments are presented with donations for $10,000 each that were raised at the 2021 Country Christmas Ball on Dec. 4. (Courtesy Photo)
MUNCY — The seventh annual Floyd County Fireman’s Country Christmas Ball this month entertained hundreds of guests and raised thousands of dollars for two of Floyd County’s fire departments.
“Because of the generosity of the guests and the sponsors for the event, the Lockney and Floydada Volunteer Fire Departments each received $10,000,” event organizer Dustee Sollis said in an email to the Record. “The money will be used for equipment, gear and vehicles for the departments.”
The departments were presented with the checks on Monday. Floydada Chief Chad Guthrie and Lockney Chief Donnie McLaughlin and other members of the departments accepted the donations.
Sollis says that 575 guests attended the event, which was headlined by Wendell Sollis and the Sidekick All Stars 14-piece band. The band played classic country, western swing, Cajun, and Christmas favorites to a packed Floyd County Friends Unity Center decorated as a “winter wonderland.” Santa in a life-size sleigh highlighted the seasonal décor.
Prior to striking up the band, guests honored the nation and its heroes with the singing of the national anthem and playing of Taps. A catered meal from River Smith’s was served. During the event, visitors could shop from a number of vendors or check out Floydada’s new ladder truck. A silent and live auction and a raffle were also held.
“(Wendell and I) would like to thank several people who contributed to the event,” Sollis said. “Joy Dalrymple of Joyfulea Creations decorated the building with the ‘winter wonderland’ theme and Tim Assiter vigorously conducted the successful live auction. The firefighters of Lockney and Floydada helped to set up and clean up the facility. Without the generosity of local and area businesses, the event would not be as successful. (We) would like to thank all who came, and extend their gratitude to the many businesses that helped sponsor the event.”
