The Midland County Livestock Association (MCLA) has announced that its annual fundraising event, the MCLA Backyard Bash, will take place on Aug. 17. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the 4H and FFA youth in Midland County.
"100% of the funds we raise go back to these kids at our livestock sale in January,” Stephanie Mitchell, the event chair, told Midland Times. “The amount of money they raise at our County Show is used for next year’s livestock projects or college tuition for the seniors.”
According to Mitchell, the programs are vital, as they teach children essential life skills and lessons, such as the origins of food, the value of hard work, and responsibility in caring for livestock.
This year's event begins with a performance by Statesboro Revue at 7 p.m., followed by a live auction, and culminating with headliner Aaron Watson taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. Attendees can purchase general admission tickets, VIP tables, or sponsorships. VIP tables include a catered dinner, drink tickets, and access to a private bar. Tickets can be purchased at https://midlandhorseshoe.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200457927. For VIP tables or sponsorships, email MCLABackyardBash@gmail.com or call 432-528-1585, or 214-695-1713.
The auction features various items, from guns and hunts to custom hand-painted cornhole boards. "Bob Callender, of Bob Callender Fine Art, graciously donates one of his gorgeous oil field canvases every year, and this year’s is AMAZING,” said Mitchell. ‘We will have a guitar, autographed by all the band members, and our most popular item, the Whiskey Wagon, which is a large wagon filled with all kinds of wine and liquor.”
Mitchell explained the origins of the event, highlighting its initial purpose as a contingency plan during uncertain times. "We started Backyard Bash during COVID. We weren’t sure if we were going to be able to have a sale after our livestock show, so we started this concert to raise extra money to supplement, just in case we weren’t able to have people come buy the kids’ animals," said Mitchell.
Stephanie Mitchell, along with her husband, chairs the event. Her husband also serves as the Vice President of the Midland County Livestock Association.