'Party of the Year' Sold Out

Organizers of the say the shindig is all sold out and they've had to expand to accommodate the high demand for the October 1 Stetson Gala Ball at the library.

"We're still so shocked," said event co-chair Gwenn Hauck of the response. "I can't figure out why the response has been so positive but I think it's because Ridgewood needed something like this. We all want come out, forget about all our sorrows and have one happy occasion."

The October 1 event, which resembles the spirit of the noted 1998 tent party but with a decidedly Western twist, will be raising money for the Ridgewood Public Library with a pretty simple theme – regardless of your views on Valley, Graydon, turf, taxes and all in between, this party is about coming together and forgetting about divisions. For one night, anyway.

There will be whiskey bars all around, live bands, catered food, wine corking specials, auctions and celebrity guests on hand.

Original expectations put the turnout at around 500 guests with tickets selling at $130 each. With 640 guests now confirmed, a larger tent area has been set up outside and the gala will now take up not just the first floor of the library, but the second as well. The event has been extended from 11:00 p.m. to midnight.

"We're so looking forward to it," Hauck said, adding that there will be some surprises in order. "The food is going to be delicious, the weather is looking good and somehow we've managed to up all of the accommodations and decorations. We're really excited."