By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby County is giving residents a reason to do-si-do and square dance April 30 at its second annual Boots and Buckles fundraising event.

This cowboy-themed event benefits the Shelby County chapter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, which has seen significant growth since 2013, according to Brooke McKinley, director of public relations and marketing.

When the Shelby County location opened in 2013, McKinley said they matched 50 kids with mentors in the first year. Since then, she said they’ve grown to making about 200 matches a year, but there is still a greater need in the area.

Boots and Buckles will kick off April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Venue 31 in Pelham. Last year, the event saw about 100 people, and McKinley said they hope to have about 150 this year.

“It went really well,” she said of the event last year. “We’ve kind of changed the style of the event this year. Now we are going full fun and casual.”

She explained that they are embracing the county fair fun theme with a photo booth, mechanical bull, smores bar, silent auction and more.

Food trucks Off the Hook, Frios Gourmet Pops and Lazy Boy BBQ will provide food for guests. Live musical entertainment will be by Tremayne, a group that plays classic rock, country, R&B, funk and blues.

The event will also be outside this year, which McKinley said fits the style of Boots and Buckles better than the venue last year.

“(My favorite part was) the live band and everyone getting on the dance floor, having a good time and letting lose,” McKinley said of the previous Boots and Buckles.

All the proceeds raised from the event will go to support to the Shelby County office of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tickets are $50 each and include one food and two drink tickets.

“I’m looking forward to it a whole lot,” McKinley said. “Having a big event like this, usually you have to go out to Birmingham. It’s good to have it right here in Shelby County.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Bootsandbuckles.info.