THE fairy tale of being part of a special tradition will again come to life in Leeton this year when the Belle of the Ball is held.
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Every year the Rotary Club of Leeton organises the event as one of its major fundraisers, but there’s also more to it than that.
The young women and men that have already participated in a debutante ball are given the opportunity to once again frock up and look glamorous for the night.
This year 22 debutantes and their partners will be taking part and one lucky young lady will be crowned the 2017 Belle of the Ball.
“That’s definitely part of it, but I don’t think the girls go into thinking they want to win,” organiser Roz Thompson said.
“It’s just a part of the night.
“They are really just there for the opportunity to dress up and mingle with all of their friends and family.
“Young people don’t really get that opportunity very often, so it’s always a great night.
“To me and, I’m sure everyone else that is there on the night, they are all winners.
“They all look stunning.”
The first rehearsal for the event was held on Tuesday evening and there has been one change for the event.
This year the ball will move from the Leeton Soldiers Club for the first time to the Mia Function Centre.
Ms Thompson said planning was well underway for the ball.
“It’s all under control at the moment, but it does tend to get a little bit crazy there towards the end,” she said.
“I suppose it is a bit like planning a wedding every year, yes.
“While you have all of your contacts in place, it’s still a very big effort.”
Participants for this year’s event will have already participated in the Scottish, Catholic and Barellan deb balls.
Ms Thompson said there was always excitement surrounding the event.
“I don’t think the tradition of deb balls will ever go away from Leeton,” she said.
“It’s very unique to smaller towns like Leeton. Places like Griffith don’t do it any more, which is a shame.”
The Belle of the Ball will be held on July 28 from 7pm.
Tickets are now available from Ms Thompson, Amato Real Estate and Leeton Newsagency for $40 per person.