Ropin' & Rockin' sales approach 5,000

Many are filled with anticipation as the Ropin' & Rockin' for Pennies for the Park event is just days away.

Saturday's event will begin with a roping competition at 9:30 a.m. which will run during the day. That will be followed by a concert by county music singing star Jason Aldean with Kevin Blake Weldon performing the opening act at 7 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

"This is something that my wife and I have been talking about doing for a couple of years," Atlanta Braves first baseman, Fort Scott native, and event sponsor Adam LaRoche said.

LaRoche said the event wouldn't have been possible without the support of the local community and businesses who donated their time to make the event a success. He said the Youth Activities Team has made the whole process very easy for him and his wife.

"We've had great support," he said. "They have put everything together to make it a first-class event."

According to YAT Co-convener Clayton Tatro, the Penny Bank contest was a huge success. In one week's time, students from Eugene Ware Elementary School, Winfield Scott Elementary School, Fort Scott Middle School, and Fort Scott High School raised over $1,600 for Pennies for the Park with over $1,500 of that total raised by the elementary schools. After all the totals were counted 67 students the local schools were chosen to participate in the meet and greet session with Aldean and LaRoche.

"The response was amazing, especially with the elementary schools," Tatro said. "It's a wonderful show of enthusiasm by the kids."

As ticket sales approach the 5,000 mark, tickets remain available. Tickets can be purchased in person from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St., through Friday at 5:00 p.m. as well as by visiting www.yatfortscott.com through midnight Thursday. Tickets purchased through the Web site will be available at the "will-call" tent at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Tickets purchased through Friday are $25, any tickets purchased on Saturday will be $35.

The YAT would like to remind concert goers of the following points:

* No outside food or beverage as well as coolers will be allowed

* No video or audio recording devices are permitted

* Still photos will be permitted

* The event will go on rain or shine -- No refunds

* No pets or animals other than service animals will be permitted

* Standing room only near stage

* Attendee should bring their own seating

* Ticket are priced the same regardless of age

RV Parking will also be available for the event. The cost will be $50 per unit and the unit must be parked by noon on Friday. A paid reservation is required. For additional information regarding the contests, contact Tom Robertson at (620) 224-7707 or Tami Lawrence at (620) 215-4589. To make an RV reservation call (620) 224-7761.

For more information including maps of street closures and available parking visit www.yatfortscott.com.