SUPPORTERS OF THE American Cancer Society boot-scooted on over to Downtown’s The Rustic venue to kick off this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball and the tremendous fundraising efforts that go along with it.

More than 350 guests joined kickoff-party chairs Kristen Cannon and Whitney Lawson, along with the Ball chairs Janette Marx, Robin Klaes and Stephen Toups, for the music-filled cocktail bash. It included the announcement that Easton Corbin and Roger Creager will be the evening’s entertainment at the main event on Sept. 14. Held at the Hilton Americas hotel, the gala will be “Neon Lights & Bayou Nights”-themed.

Lo Sessions of country station 93Q emceed the kickoff party, where there were rowdy armadillo races and an exciting jewelry pull courtesy of Christina Greene, who recently opened a new boutique. Plus, the Blake Harlow Band serenaded guests all night long. And when there’s a stellar auction at a pre-event party — this one had items donated by Tootsies, Festari for Men, Sunless Chateau and more — you know the one at the Cattle Baron’s Ball will be a real showstopper!

Andrea Simmons, Elia Gabbanelli, Yanette Carmona

Tasia Day and Katie Tsuru

Angela Hernandez , Kamisha Mickey, Jodi Merrett

Tamra Hughes, Ryan Hughes

Brent Milam and Lara Bell

Susan Blair and Lisa Curry

Cyndy Garza Roberts and Thomas Roberts

Steven Toups, Valerie Toups, Maegan Toups , Carson Joachim

Dakota and Joanna Klaes

Stacie Bullock, Gena Shell, Maria Valdes, Dana Dailey

Danny and Robin Klaes

Peter Remington, Karen Deguerin

David and Christina Greene McAllen

Leila Perrin, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Marilu Garza

Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes

Kristen Cannon and Whitney Lawson

Jane Johnston and Lauren Paine

Julissa Perez and Monica Laborico

Jenny Todd, Tiffany Halik and Nora Jarrard

David Gutierrez, Lauren Hill, Tasia Day, Rob Stevens

Jeff Marx, Jannette Marx