The bands who accept the challenge for the Battle of the Bands need to start now to participate.

Coordinated by members of the Stratford Booster Club, they will be sponsoring an adults only gala at the Backcountry Winery in Stratford. And at the gala, the winning band from the “Battle of the Bands” will be featured.

“This is the first year we are hosting this event,” said Katie Kinsella, “We believe it has strong potential to become an annual event and the winery has expressed interest in continuing as well.”

The Backcountry Winery is a winery and event venue located at 3533 Fenton Avenue in Stratford.

The Boots & Bling gala and The Battle of the Bands, is an effort to showcase local bands, and create an event to help community projects.

The first project they support will be the Stratford Early Learning Center–ELC.

The battle begins with entering the contest, creating a short video of the band. Details on how to enter can be obtained from Kinsella, who can be contacted at kkinsella@stratford.k12.ia.us.

“One of the really fun parts of the event is our Battle of the Bands. Bands from around the area are invited to create their own version of the original Boots & Bling Gala Song that I wrote, putting their own spin on it,” Kinsella said, “It’s a creative, light-hearted competition that helps spread the word about the fundraiser and supports a great cause. The winning band will get to perform live at the Gala, which we’re hoping brings multiple communities together for a night of fun.”

This will be the first annual Boots and Bling Gala to be held at the Backcountry Winery in Stratford. To participate, local bands will need to learn to play the official Gala Song and submit a short video. The organizers want the bands to show off their creativity and have fun. The winning band will also be featured in all publicity and become the centerpiece of the event.

The Boots & Bling Adult Gala is not a school-sponsored event, it is being sponsored by the Stratford Booster Club, with all proceeds going directly to support the Stratford Early Learning Center.

This year the funds will support the Stratford ELC, but in the future, the Stratford Boosters may change where funding is designated.

“The Gala itself will include live music, dancing, a delicious meal, raffles, a King & Queen competition, and more,” Kinsella summarized,” Overall, it’s meant to be a fun, high-energy night for adults to get together, enjoy themselves, and support early childhood education in our community.”