‘Holiday Ball’ at fairgrounds kicks off Colony Christmas

PALMER — Kick up your heels and dance the night away at the 2012 Alaska State Fair Holiday Ball beginning at 8 p.m., tonight in Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Guests are invited to dress in their finest attire — or best Levi’s and favorite Carhartt’s — and partake in an evening of fine food, music and dancing to kick off the 2012 Colony Christmas celebration Dec. 7 to 9.

Kelly Larson, community relations and social media coordinator for the Alaska State Fair, said that new this year, the ball also is a fund-raiser for the United Way and will include an “It’s in the Bag” silent auction event.

Larson said what’s in the bags varies from luxurious spa visits to hunting gear, full-service oil changes and tickets on the Alaska State Railroad.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the band Chill Factor, with special guest John Tracy, will begin playing at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $40 per person, or $300 for a table of eight, and are available online at alaskastatefair.org.

The Holiday Ball is just one of several holiday parties planned at Raven Hall this season. While the hall is decorated from top to bottom for Christmas, Larson said a couple of large local companies also will use the space for their Christmas parties. Anyone can rent the hall year-round by calling 745-4827.