After suffering through a tornado, a pandemic and a lollapalooza ice storm, 2020/2021 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chairs Diana Hamilton and Heather Randall are on the eve of finally pulling off the legendary hoedown for their near-and-dear 2,600 cowboys and cowgirls Saturday at Gilley’s.
Today as the committee of 100 was setting up tables, chairs and VIP centerpieces in the overly chilly main building, oldtimers were a bit in awe at how organized and smooth things were going. On the other hand, Diana and Heather were still wary of any possible problems that might stand in the way of their fundraising for the American Cancer Society of North Texas.
One surprise for the girls was the arrival of new American Cancer Society CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen, who briefly congratulated the baronesses and told them that she was looking forward to attending her first CBB. Karen has only been officially on the job since June 1 and is the first female CEO for ACS in its 107-year history.
Another surprise happened during lunch. With the building’s AC in overdrive, the baronesses opted to eat outside. It was then that 2016 CBB Co-Chair Andrea Weber and 2018 CBB Co-Chair Jonika Nix appeared with custom-made baseball caps as gifts from the past CBB chairs including Olivia Kearney (2006), KJ Sanger (2012), Mary Humphreys Parker (2013), Jill Tananbaum (2014), Tia Wynne (2015), Katy Bock (2018), Wendy Messmann (2019) and Lisa Shirley (2019).
When asked about changes this year, insiders reported that the Ferris wheel was on hiatus, but a mechanical bull would be bucking. Instead of favor bags, there would be a very nice favor. There would be plenty of music thanks to Cole Swindell and Dierks Bentley, but no meet-and-greet with the boys. For the first time there would be a presenting sponsor — Texas Oncology. And, yes, there are absolutely no more tickets available. BTW, if you do have a ticket, do not forget your wristband. Without it — no entry.