The 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball baronesses have donned their turquoise T-shirts and are prepping Southfork for Saturday night’s shindig. In addition to the committee of 100 volunteers on hand schlepping and arranging all types of goodies, some of the former CBB chairs — Cindy Turner (2000), Amy Turner (2005), Olivia Kearney (2006), Tanya Foster (2008), Kristi Hoyl (2010), Jennifer Dix (2011), Brooke Shelby (2013), Cindy Stager (2014), Tia Wynne (2015), Cara French (2016), Andrea Weber (2016), Sunie Solomon (2017), Katy Bock (2018), Jonika Nix (2018), Lisa Haddow Shirley (2019) and Nancy Gopez (2022) — popped in for lunch and to rally the class of 2023 for the fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society of North Texas.
With the “cold” front breezing in, the ladies had a certain windblown look for their group photos.
So, what to expect? That cold front isn’t going to be wet or icy. After weeks … no, make that months … of 100-degree temperatures, it will nice to have temps in the upper 60s and low 70s.
Despite everything moving smoothly, 2023 CBB Co-Chairs Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov Higginbotham admitted they really lucked out when it came to the weather.
As for the Ball’s layout, it’s much more compact than last year, with most everything indoors. The silent and live auctions along with the Randy Rogers Band will be in Southfork’s Convention Center. Needless to say, there won’t be any sunset scorching folks’ eyeballs during the live auction.
Just across the way, a tent that looks like it could be a blimp hangar will be the setting for a concert featuring Shania Twain.
Wise will be the guests who ride-share to and from the event. There will be valets on hand, but, with 3,400 expected, parking is going to be as tight as Lizzo in extra small Spanx.
And if you really, absolutely, truly can’t be separated from your own wheels, be forewarned that a part of Parker Road is down to one lane due to construction. Why not consider taking East Park that becomes Betsy Lane that intersects with North Murphy Road? Turn left and it’ll take you straight to Southfork. It’s a pretty drive and there’s no construction.
Word to the wise: The area police departments want everyone to have a safe coming-and-going, so watch the speed limits.
And, before leaving home, do not forget your wristband. It’s your passport to a night of legendary partying.
* Graphic provided by 2023 Cattle Baron's Ball