This year's ball celebrated the 40th anniversary of the PVES. On hand to celebrate the milestone event was PVES founder, Joe Covey, and his family who were specially introduced by the evening's master of ceremonies, Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum. Also receiving a special welcome and seats of honor at the ball were PVES firemen, medics and long-time volunteers.

Adding a bittersweet touch, the ball was dedicated to Shellene Kelley who died in March of this year after a battle with cancer. Mrs. Kelley and her husband, Don, were avid supporters of PVES and the Boot Scootin' Ball. In addition to helping the PVES and fundraising efforts, Mrs. Kelley used her expertise with computers and love ot service to aid the Pottsboro Kids Club, the Pottsboro Library, and the Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce.

More than 1,000 supporters flooded into the familiar barn in anticipation of an evening of fun. Strains of popular old and new country and western tunes, played by Troy McKinney's Hard Luck Band floated across the barn's surrounding fields as golf carts zipped to and fro, carrying western-bedecked ball-goers from their cars to the barn area.

Attendees sipped their beverages of choice while browsing through two buildings filled with silent auction items. Selections ranged from jewelry, candles, gift baskets of every design and clothing to oil changes, barbecue grills, fishing trips, weekend get-aways and handmade crafts. "Big Board" auction selections included such things as tickets to sporting events, gourmet dinners, a television, home decor, trips, and even a wagon filled to overflowing with choice bottles of wine. Live auction items brought lively responses as bidders vied for such items as a cocktail cruise on Lake Texoma, barbecue and gourmet dinners, Mexico vacations, original, one-of-a-kind works of art, advertising and even a jet ride.

In keeping with the western theme, a traditional barbecue dinner was served up by Eddie Deen.

"Everyone I've talked to said this ball was the best one we've ever had and was the most fun," commented Betty Roether, one of the ball's co-chairwomen. "And I asked lots of the sponsors if they believed they got their money's worth and I had great comments. We have more sponsors this year than we've had in the past, and we had to add tables (to accommodate all the attendees). I saw more people really dressed up this year, and it looked like people were really into the ball this year."

Plans have already begun for next year's ball, set for Oct. 16. For more information, visit www.bootscootinball.org or send an email to bootsball09@yahoo.com.