On Saturday, the annual Ranch City Party, hosted by the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce, will thank ranchers and the agricultural community for doing business in Casper.

And everyone's invited to join in the fun.

"Every year since 1952, the Chamber's done this," said this year's event chairman, Carol Whitney. "It's still just a way to thank the ranchers for doing business here."

Area ranchers are admitted for free, but need to pick up tickets at the Chamber office, 500 N. Center St., or reserve one by calling 234-5311. Members of the ag community are asked to reserve quickly, so remaining tickets may be sold to the public.

Tickets for the family-friendly event are $15 each, including dinner and dancing to the Avengers band from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets to the dance only cost $10.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m., at the Parkway Plaza Hotel, and end at midnight.

The chamber's 2009 Agri-Business award winner, Ron Richner, and his family members, Stacey, Kailey and Wes, will be honored. They live west of Casper along the Platte River.

The silent auction benefits local 4-Hers and proceeds are used for the scholarship fund, clinics and educational equipment, according to Whitney.

All county 4-H members were asked to solicit auction donations from businesses, and Whitney said they did a great job.

The resulting haul includes candles, tools, artwork, and stays in jacuzzi suites in four Casper hotels.

Whitney is hoping for a crowd of 600 to 700 on Saturday night.

Tickets for the public can be purchased in advance at the Chamber office or at the door on Saturday night.

Numerous Casper businesses combine to sponsor the event, making the free tickets to the ag community possible.

For more information, call Mindy at the Chamber, 234-5311, or Carol at 265-1995.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com. Read Sal's blog at tribtown.trib.com/Sal/blog and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WYOSAS