Stetsons and Stilettos celebrates ag and the Kentuck Derby

Havre Daily News staff

The NILE Foundation is inviting people to come to Billings Saturday, May 4, for its annual scholarship fundraiser, Stetsons and Stilettos.

“Awarding scholarships and supporting the next generation of agriculturists is near and dear to the heart of the NILE Foundation,” the National International Livestock Exposition — NILE — website says. “To raise funds for these amazing youth programs we throw a big party called Stetsons & Stilettos each spring.

“This year the theme is Kentucky Derby!” the site says. “Think big hats, fast horses, mint juleps and lots of money. We encourage you to wear your best hat, root for your favorite, sip on something smooth and support amazing young people.”

The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live at the event, starting at 4:15 p.m.

The site says Stetsons and Stilettos began in 2007 and has since grown to be a sold-out event.

“The NILE Foundation’s mission is to promote livestock, educate about agriculture and embrace the western way of life,” it says. “Stetsons and Stilettos focuses on the scholarship aspect of the NILE foundation. Donations from this event are added to the scholarship fund, ensuring that the future generations will get the support they need to pursue higher education.”

The site says that donations to the foundation contribute to youth programs including college scholarships, fourth-grade ag education, livestock judging competitions, the NILE Merit Heifer Program, and the Junior Fed Livestock Show and Sale.

The foundation also serves to support the NILE to promote livestock, agriculture, and respect for the western culture.

Along with the watch party, Stetsons and Stilettos also offers live and silent auctions, dinner, entertainment and scholarship recipient introductions.

One ticket for the event is $60, while a table for eight can be purchased for $450.

To purchase tickets, people can call 406-256-2495 or email [email protected]

The schedule for the night is:

4 p.m. Social Hour

4:15 p.m. Kentucky Derby Watch Party

5:30 p.m. Dinner

6 p.m. Cara Ayers — Cara Bout Ag

7 p.m. Scholarship recipient introductions and live auction

For a list of donors and sponsors, visit https://www.thenile.org/p/events/stetsonsandstilettos/.