Butler County Opry Raises $6000 for Project Prom

Tue, 03/24/2015 - 8:06am — Diane Dyer

The Butler County Opry opened to an enthusiastic and supportive crowd of community members Saturday night at the Butler County High School. County Extension Agent Greg Drake was emcee, entertaining the crowd between songs for the 3 hour long country music showcase. The Opry featured a mix of classic country songs and modern hits from big names like Patsy Cline, Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and the Judds. We heard the familiar voices of local talents Lydia and Maddy Murphy, Melissa Johnson, and Anita Grubb, and several others, as well as breakout performances from Laney Meredith, and Maggie Drake.

During the Intermission we saw performances by students of The Dance Academy on W GL Smith Street, and when the Opry recommenced, Aleigha Cox made her way to the stage as the queen of one-liners, Minnie Pearl, with her companion Little Jimmie Dickens. The pair spit out a number of rib ticklers, keeping the audience howling for several minutes before they handed over the mic. Aleigha said her favorite part of playing Minnie Pearl was “I get to say Howdy real big.”
Chelsea Jenkins, BCHS Student was filming the event: “I remember when the Opry was no big deal…. It used to be just in the auditorium…. It’s a chance to showcase talents [and] it’s a really good fundraiser.”

“It used to be Butler County Hee Haw, several years ago.” Tracy Cowles commented. Cowles played Lulu Roman on the Butler County Hee Haw before it changed to the Butler County Opry around three years ago. “I think it’s great.”
Collin Coots also entertained with a lively Bluegrass tune on the Banjo. Coots started playing around three years ago, and has played at Music at the Mural which is hosted by the Butler County Arts Guild. He just recently played on WBKO Midday. When asked how he likes playing local events like, he stated: “I really enjoy it, I try to get out to as many as possible.” Where’s he going next? “Wherever the Lord takes me, I guess.”

The Butler County Opry closed to a riveting rendition of How Great Thou Art by the Crossmen, receiving the event’s only standing ovation.
Ticket sales to the event, along with proceeds from the silent auction, T-Shirt sales, and concessions, totaled around $5,200, but at the end of the event, following the last minute passing of Greg Drake’s Stetson, the Butler County Opry had earned just over $5,800 for Project Prom.
Community members were encouraged to volunteer for Project Prom. Project prom is a post-prom event dedicated to providing a safe environment for students attending prom.

Kimberlea Embry issued the following statement on her Facebook after the event: “Once again I am in awe of the generous and supportive people in Butler County… Tonight you helped raise over $6,000 for the BCHS Project Prom…Thank you for contributing to a drug and alcohol free night for our kids!”