By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

Ocean City residents Edel Anderson, left, and Hilma McFarland pose with Star Charities president Anna Foultz during the Star Charities Western County Nights at Casino Downs in Ocean Pines last year.

(July 4, 2019) Tickets are still available for the 22nd annual Country Western Night at the Ocean Downs Casino, Thursday, July 11.

The event, which will start at 5 p.m., was created by 93-year-old Anna Foultz and hosted each year by Ocean Pines nonprofit Star Charities for the benefit of wounded soldiers.

“The place is well organized and you can have a lot of fun watching the horses,” Foultz said. “It’s a wonderful event … we all enjoy it.”

This year, money raised from the event will go toward the Achilles Foundation, a nonprofit charity that enables people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self-esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.

During the event, Foultz encourages everyone to bring their best cowboy hats and boots for the Western-themed fundraiser.

“We all dress up like cowgirls [and cowboys],” Foultz said. “We have a great time every year.”

More than 100 tickets have already been sold, and must be ordered in advance. Around 20 tickets are still available for the event.

“I’d like to thank the casino for helping us,” Foultz said. “They’re the reason we’re able to hold this event every year.”

Foultz said the Country Western Night event generally draws about 125 people and takes up three levels of the restaurant section of the casino, on Racetrack Road near Ocean Pines.

Tickets cost $26 and include an all-you-can-eat buffet, door prizes, and live music by Sharon Sorrentino. There will also be live horse racing that evening at Ocean Downs.

For tickets, contact Foultz at 410-641-7667.