BY KAREN BOSSICK

Grab your Stetson hat, lace up your boots and be prepared to kick up your heels when Swiftsure Ranch throws its First Annual Barn Dance.

The lively fall celebration will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Swiftsure Ranch, 114 Calypso Lane off Highway 75 south of Bellevue (look for the giant flag on the pole on the west side of the highway).

The celebration—open to the entire family—is being held in place of the Blazing Pumpkins, which has illuminated the ranch scape for years. It will feature a mix of country favorites and rock ‘n’ roll classics from the popular Kim Stocking Band and a hearty BBQ dinner of smoked brisket and chicken, mac ‘n cheese, cornbread casserole, green salads and peach cobbler served up by Big John’s BBQ.

Guests will also be able to test their skills at a roping station, see if they can outlast a mechanical bull and dance the night away.

“This is a true community celebration,” said Kristy Heitzman, executive director of Swiftsure Ranch. “We’re bringing people together for music, laughter and a little cowboy spirit—all while supporting the life-changing programs that happen here every day.”

Tickets are $50, on sale at www.swiftsureranch.org. Kids 10 and under will be admitted free.

Proceeds from ticket sales will support Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center, which provides equine-assisted activities and therapies free of charge to adults and children with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.