THE COWBOY CHRISTMAS BALL

(held annually in Anson City, Texas)

Description of the Event and the Hall

The Ball is a re-enactment, of sorts, back to when the first Cowboy Christmas Ball was held over 100 years ago. It is held every December in Pioneer Hall in Anson City, Texas.
The Ball follows the days many activities, some of which include a Cowboy Poetry gathering.

The hall has a wonderful hardwood floor made for dancing. The place is ALWAYS packed, so be prepared to stand at times. There are some bleacher-type seats (which fill up fast with the non-dancers), and some benches around the sides of the dance floor for 'cooling your heels'.

It can become quite stuffy and hot inside the Hall with the crowd, so dress accordingly. If the Texas weather happens to be cold, there are racks available for hanging your coats (or leave them in your vehicle).

The parking situation has usually been to park wherever you can find a space. There is no valet parking.

There are separate men's and ladies' rest rooms available inside. No outhouses. . .<vbg>

The hall is only allowed a specified number of attendees, due to the fire regulations. (That is why you are put on a list).

There are specific processional-type dances around and around the floor at times--for example, there is a 'Grand March'; the most Newly Married dance; the Oldest Married couple dance; the Grandparents and Grandkids dance, girls asking guys to dance, etc.

There are no line dances, but there is always The Cotton-Eyed Joe.

There is a great local band that plays before Murph, and they play several days during the weekend activities. However, Murph and his wonderful Rio Grande Band usually perform only one show on the Saturday night of the specified weekend.

Murph and his band will usually play every song you have ever heard and loved. He has been known to take a few requests. It is one of Michael's most favorite places to play!

There is usually an area for purchasing any of MMM's albums that you do not have, and Murph is available for autographs and photographs.

Any monetary donations are very welcomed and accepted for Pioneer Hall, but not required. The donations are used in the upkeep of the Hall.

Accepted Attire

One time on Michael's website bulletin board, the question was asked about 'what to wear' to The Cowboy Christmas Ball. This was the answer that I gave.

~ There are a few rules about the accepted attire in attending The Cowboy Christmas Ball in Pioneer Hall. ~ Anyone wanting to attend might benefit from knowing this bit of information.

Period dress is much encouraged!

Men are NOT allowed to wear hats inside.
Women must wear dresses--no pants or shorts allowed.
There are NO alcoholic beverages allowed inside the hall. (There is a refreshment stand that serves sodas.)
No smoking is permitted inside.
This event is a family-oriented gathering.
Good behavior is all that is accepted and expected.

Personal Note

It is the greatest time of all to be there with everyone, and if I am not at the Ball,

be sure to tell Murph, Gary, David and Ryan 'HOWDY' from Rhonda when you go!

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