Big Guns Out for Ridgewood Party of the Year

If you haven't cleaned out your closet in a while, now's the time to start. Your mission – find either a nice sassy dress or a crisp blazer. And don't forget the cowboy boots.

On Saturday, October 1, the second iteration of the Stetson Gala Ball ("Presented, Produced and Hosted by your Neighbors!") will be held at the Ridgewood Public Library, and organizers are promising a feast of food, great music, wine, whiskey, dancing and maybe even a few tumbleweeds.

"As the Stetson Ball excitement builds, I find that Old West surprises are kept secret even from me," said Library Director Nancy Greene. "I do know that the Library Foundation is shooting to throw Ridgewood's greatest party ever – and even more, to raise money in support of the largest educator in Ridgewood."

Roughly 500 outlaws and lasses will begin filing in at 7:00 p.m. sharp, where they'll find a library flush with Western themes that might even make the late John Wayne blush. Though organizers are still keeping some details under wraps, there will be a curious mix of 1870 and 2011.

Regardless of your affinity for either era, some things are timeless.

For instance, food will be in high demand and served by caterers as well as Ridgewood High School students. Bellies may also float with whiskey flowing into mason jars, appropriately served by volunteers dressed as saloon gals. Wine and beer is on the house.

As you shuffle around by the stable, stop by and greet Ridgewood native and newsman Willie Geist. He'll be the Master of Ceremonies for 2011 while Coben will be the honorary chairman. You may have to stand close to hear Geist and Coben. After all, in the backdrop will be four high school bands performing during cocktail hour. Things will be lively both inside and out.

In the tent outside, guests will find more Western themes, a full whiskey bar, dancing and a silent auction under the stars.

Shop owners will be donating items for the auction, and although the list is but a whisper now, organizers promise big items.

One that has been disclosed will be the donation of characters from several New York Times best selling authors from the area like Mary Higgins Clark, Harlan Coben, as well as local filmmaker Caytha Jentis. In other words, you win the bid, you could be the name of the next chart-topping novel or film.

Also interesting for the Western chic party, is the corking aspect. The what, you ask?

"When you pick your cork, there's a number that corresponds to that bottle of wine," said Gwenn Hauck, event co-chair. "You might win a $10 bottle or a $500 bottle. It's a good way to raise money because, hey, it's going to a good cause and you can't really lose because you're walking out with a bottle of wine."

Ultimately, Hauck said, the party represents an opportunity for all of Ridgewood to forget its divisions and come together as a community.

"The 500 [guests] will be representing all neighborhoods and all interests. But there will be no arguing, no fighting," she said. "It's just one feel-good moment, basically a big Ridgewood block party. I feel like Ridgewood really needed something together to celebrate."

"We're having the gala to unify the community," added Ridgewood Library Foundation Director Melanie Stern, who helped along with 35 men and women on the committee. "It's a celebration of all the things the library has done. In tough economic times, it's important to remember how essential the library is across socio-economic lines."

Greene said she's looking forward to bringing back the good times from the last party, one she says set a high standard.

"People still talk wistfully about the Library's 1998 'Tent Party' under the stars – now, we have a dream team to bring back that magic and fun. I am so grateful to [organizers] Catherine Donnelly, Gwenn Hauck, Tess Guiliani and their entire team. Texas two-step, anyone?"

Tickets are $130 and can be purchased at the library's website or at the circulation desk. The party begins at 7:00 p.m. and will end at 11:00 p.m. on October 1. Organizers are asking that residents RSVP by September 16.