River stewards don dancing shoes

• Tommy Bentz plays barn dance

A member of the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust opens his Clifton property and well-preserved old barn for the organization’s annual “FUNdraiser," which this year features live music by local musician Tommy Bentz and his band, as well as Gene LaFond and The Wild Unknown.

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Friends and fans of the Kinnickinnic River can gather from 5:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, for the annual Kinni River Barn Dance, N8038 1130th St., town of Clifton.

Each $30 ticket includes a picnic-style dinner 5:30-7 p.m. and dancing to live music 7-11 p.m.

Proceeds support the nonprofit organization hosting the event, the River Falls-based Kinnickinnic River Land Trust.

KRLT Director Dave Fodroczi said supper will be a choice of either pulled pork or chicken on one of two breads, plus two sides from three choices: Potato salad, beans, or coleslaw.

A cash bar throughout the night will offer locally brewed Rush River beer and -- new this year -- selections of red and white wine.

Local musicians, such as the Tommy Bentz Band, as well as Twin Cities singer/songwriter Gene LaFond and The Wild Unknown will play live tunes during dance hours.

Fodroczi said KRLT is striving to host about 150 people, which they’ve learned from past years is the ideal number of visitors to have inside the barn.

Tickets are available online at KRLT’s website through the close of business Thursday; visit www.kinniriver.org.

Fodroczi said anyone who needs tickets after that may still find some available by calling KRLT at 715-425-5738.

The director said the event is a good fundraiser for a good cause and that it emphasizes “f-u-n.”

Tags: outdoors, environment, wisconsin, events