HOULTON, Maine — The 26th annual County Open golf tournament and gala returns this Friday, Aug. 7, with a busy weekend of activities.
The County Open serve as a fundraiser for the Health Services Foundation, which is collecting money for 24 new pieces of equipment in 12 different departments. Created in 1990, it has survived many variations and has helped generate more than $500,000 for the Foundation.
“The County Open consists of more than just golf events and dinner,” explained Jackie White, event organizer. “It’s a way to help improve the place we work and where we come for health care.”
On Friday, at Houlton Community Golf Course (HCGC) there will be a casual Twilight barbecue to kick off the weekend. Happy Hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with the grill starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and $5 of each dinner sold goes to the charity.
On Saturday, at HCGC there will be an 18-hole golf tournament. The cost is $50 to play and includes one practice round. Cart rental is not included.
On Saturday evening, there will be a prime rib/lobster dinner at The Horn Restaurant’s Event Center. The cost is $50 per person. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Paul LaPointe will provide musical entertainment. At 6:45 p.m., the Reverse Cash Raffle will begin. Prizes range from $100 up to $2,500, with many winners throughout the night.
“Even the losing tickets are put in a special drawing at the end of the evening for another chance to win,” White said. “You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy a delicious meal.”
Raffle tickets are $75 each and people do not have to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at the Foundation office.
Also on Saturday evening, VaJoWa in Island Falls will be having a DJ dance beginning at 9 p.m. Contact VJW for more details.
On Sunday, there is a four-person golf scramble at VaJoWa in Island Falls. A practice round is also included with this event. The cost is $50 per person, but doesn’t include cart rental.
Registration forms and more information can be found at www.countyopen.com.
Although there is no County Open Road Race this year, organizers are instead encouraging people to participate in the SFC Aaron Henderson Memorial 5K Run/Walk Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. in Houlton Community Park.
For more information or to donate to The County Open, call Vicki Hagerman at F.A. Peabody Company 521-5710 or White at 521-2150 or visit The County Open website at www.countyopen.com.
