Though good food and plentiful wine are typically all it takes for me to have a good time, throw a few native East Texan celebrities in there and you’ve got a surefire recipe for a great evening.  Miranda Lambert deserves so much credit for all she does to help the HSOET.  She lends her name, her money, her time and her talent to the event, and it’s touching to know that despite her fame and success she is willing to come home and support this worthwhile cause.  Before Miranda took the stage, both the Whiskey Myers band and Kacey Musgraves put on great performances, then Mark Scirto traded his meteorologist’s hat for his auctioneer’s hat and engaged the entire audience while the dollars rolled in.   The food was provided by Villa Montez, and the wine was provided by Kiepersol Estates and Red 55 Winery.

When the time for Miranda to come on stage rolled around, everyone had taken their seat or camped up front in the standing room only area, and all eyes were on her as she delivered a thoroughly awesome show.  As ending time neared, she warned those who were leaving early that they really should stick around…  Even though we should have seen it coming, it was such an exciting surprise when Miranda’s new fiance’, Blake Shelton, joined her on stage for a couple of songs.

It was getting late, and though I was sad to see Miranda and Blake call it a night, I was more upset that this fabulous night was almost over.  We hiked back to the truck and headed for home.  I still smile when I think about what a fantastic time I had last weekend, and am excited about the wonderful friends I met while I was there.  Only 51 weeks to go until next year’s Cause for the Paws!

The event was held at the Villa di Felicita off Hwy 110 in Tyler.  Anyone who has ever attended a wedding or event here can vouch for how gorgeous this property is.  Upon pulling up the long driveway, attendees were greeted by the friendly valet service and asked to complete an application for a Unicard if you were intending on drinking.  Drinks and snacks were being served in the main room inside, but we were only there for a few minutes before they closed down all the indoor activities and moved everyone outside.  Royal Restrooms was also set up outside, and the lines for the bathrooms were always short, and the facilities themselves were nice and clean.  No porta potties here!

Outside there was a large stage set up in front of the alter area, and some large tents housed the silent auctions and the food and beverage centers.  We mingled for awhile then made our way over to the food line.  The food was catered by Villa Montez and Bernard’s Mediterranean Restaurant, and everything I ate was delicious, especially Bernard’s meatballs and the Yucatan sweet pork and rice served by Villa Montez.  After eating we made our way back to the stage where we enjoyed a very entertaining Johnny Cash rendition by the talented Derek Sholl.  Other musical performers that night included Heidi Newfield, Kacey Musgraves, and Joe Nichols.  All the music was incredibly enjoyable.

As the night progressed, the thing I kept noticing over and over was what a great time everyone appeared to be having.  It was like one big party, and everyone was having a blast.  Once Derek Sholl was done performing he even came out to take pictures and talk with the attendants.  The weather that evening became quite chilly, but there were heaters set up on the main patio area where people could gather to warm up.  I did not get a chance to see it, but David Yurman was auctioning off a one of a kind piece of diamond jewelry.  I’d love to know who the lucky person was who took it home.  Eventually, things wrapped up and it was time to head home.    Sadly, the word on the street is Country for Our Country will not be returning next year.  I think the people of Tyler and East Texas need to do whatever it takes to make sure this event sticks around for good.

Villa Di Felicita
7891 State Highway 110 N
Tyler, TX 75704-4927
(903) 597-0002