As the summer kicks off, the American Cancer Society (ACS), is kicking off its national gala season. All over the country this summer they will be holding balls, auctions and soirées to raise money for cancer research and education. Each community that holds an event picks a theme that reflects its local culture. There are luaus, crawfish boils and costume parties. Some events are formal, while others are more casual.

Every year, for twenty three years now, the ACS puts on the Tyler Cattle Barons Gala. The event has become a prestigious function in Tyler TX, one attended by much of the area glitterati. The evening’s agenda includes a silent auction, with merchandise donated by area businesses and individuals, and a concert. This year air conditioned tents will be available for those looking to duck out of the heat for a while. Previous year’s musical guests include some pretty impressive names, including Miranda Lambert, Randy Travis and Jack Ingram. This year’s musical guest is country music star Lee Ann Womack.  The Tyler Gala is the third largest of its type in Texas and is widely considered one of the best

The event will be held on June twelfth at the new Park of East Texas, also the future home of the East Texas State Fair. Tickets to the Gala are not cheap, although the proceeds go to a great cause. A pair of general admission tickets will run three hundred fifty dollars. For those who can afford them the barons couple tickets are six hundred and include early entrance to a reception with an open bar and food catered by Eddie Deen. Dress is said to include “Pearlsnap Shirts and Cowboy Boots.” For a more complete list of ticket prices, or to donate to the American Cancer Society visit the following webpage:  http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Gala/GalaFY10HighPlains?pg=entry&fr_id=24934. For more information on the Park of East Texas go to www.parkofeasttexas.com.