Culture News Blog

The Florence Chamber of Commerce's annual Casino Night opens at 6 p.m. with a steak fry hosted by the Pinal County Mounted Posse, followed by gambling beginning at 7 at Gibby's Cantina, Eighth and Main streets.

Blackjack, craps, and the lost game of the old West, faro, will tempt the cowboy and cowgirl gamblers as they play for raffle tickets. Raffle winners get great prizes that have been donated by members of the Chamber. A silent auction will offer more bargains for the lucky shopper. Primetime DJ Scotty Smith will spin cowboy songs old and new.

The combo ticket for both steak dinner and casino is $30; casino entry only is $20; and steak fry only is $15 ticket. Tickets to Casino Night include $250 in gambling chips. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Chamber, 291 N. Bailey St.

The next morning, Main Street will be the scene of a cowboy festival at Jacques Square. The American Legion will serve a cowboy breakfast beginning at 6:30 a.m. At 8:30, the re-enactors from Southwest Legends will bring to life a Florence street scene from many years ago.

A dutch oven cook-off begins at 8:30 a.m. on Main Street. If you would like to participate in this event, contact Mike Senseney at 868-0055 or Tom Lowe at (480) 834-0156.

At 9:30, a fast draw shoot out will happen at Jacques Square. Anyone who is at least age 18 can challenge the "sheriff" for the fastest draw. Covered bleacher seating will be available for the fast draw demonstration.

McFarland State Park will have a Victorian fashion show at 11 a.m., followed by a roundup of 19th century cowboy tools at 1 p.m.

Old cowboy movies will be shown free, with free popcorn, at the Florence Fitness Center beginning at 1 p.m. A Texas Hold'em poker tournament also starts at 1 p.m. at the Legion. There will be a $25 buy-in to play.

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