Swaner Preserve has fund raiser
By JESSICA SWEAT
This weekend Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter, along with new partner Utah State University, will host their first joint fundraising event called “Back in the Saddle.” The intent for Back in the Saddle is to restore the old Rhinestone Cowboy event while showcasing the new partnership that has begun to form. The evening will also stand as an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other.
Guests will be welcomed Sept. 4 at the Gray Barron Ranch in Park City, Utah for an evening packed with activities. A Meet ‘n Mix n’ Mingle will take place at 5:30 p.m. Dinner by Culinary Crafts will be served followed by dancing to music from The Joe Muscolino Band. Vocalists Nicole Madison, of Park City, and Gabe Redondo will also entertain.
However, the main event will be the equine-orchestral performance of a piece entitled “A Symphony of Movement and Life.” Donnette Hicks from Sage Creek Equestrian in Heber created a show in which horses will move to live music provided by The American Festival Orchestra. Well-known trainer Jim Hicks brings two of his own stallions, Rembrandt and I’m the Lions Share.
Utah State faculty and students will participate in the event in a variety of ways. According to USU’s website, Dr. Craig Jessop, dean of the Caine College of the Arts, will serve as impresario and master of ceremonies. Jessop also worked with Hicks and composer Kurt Bester to create scores for the piece. The American Festival Orchestra will also be conducted by Jessop.
USU student musicians will provide a string quartet, saxophone quartet, and jazz trio during welcoming events. Other USU students in attendance will be providing information about programs and activities that take place at the center.
In January, USU formally announced on their website their largest private gift of ownership in history, valued at more than $30 million, as well as oversight of the ecocenter. The ecocenter currently possesses a 1,200 acre land trust in the Snyderville Basin and a 10,000 square-foot building dedicated to environmental education.
Executive Director of Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter Annette Herman Harder said the center’s board of directors has been thrilled with the activity so far.
She also said that USU has been “very active and beneficial” since the announcement of the partnership.
Proceeds from the “Back in the Saddle” event will go straight to the Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter. More than 300 guests are expected to attend. Tickets are still available for $200 and can be purchased by contacting Teri Rasmussen at 888-653-6246 or E-mail teri.rasmussen@usu.edu.
–jessie.a.sweat@aggiemail.usu.edu