Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

For a fraction of the cost one would spend on a night out in Las Vegas, valley residents were able to experience life as high rollers at last Saturday’s Casino and Auction Night. The event, which was held at the Seniors Center in Lake Isabella, was this year’s major fundraiser for the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The enjoyable evening offered attendees plenty of fun games, good prizes, and a great dinner. Thanks to the multitude of Chamber volunteers working the event, the typical Vegas wait time to get into a game at a good table, was non-existent. Both gambling aficionados and novices alike, seemed to have a great time playing in the low key, no-attitude environment.

Tom McKinney deals hands of blackjack at the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce annual Casino Night. From left, Nita Spencer, Ray Thurm, and Sue McKinney - the happy winner in red - are joined by other players and spectators at Saturday night's event at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella.

Event coordinator, Faith Morrison, said that she had been working on the Casino Night fundraiser since mid-summer. She added, “It’s great to see members of the community out enjoying themselves.” The funds raised will be used throughout the year to promote the valley and its’ many attractions.

Linda Thurm, wife of Chamber of Commerce, Vice President, Ray Thurm, was having a fun time trying her luck out at the Black Jack table, with dealer, Leitriana Pope. Thurm commented, “This event is the perfect place to meet up with old friends and to get to know some new people as well.“ Shirley Davis, also playing at the same table, said that she particularly enjoyed the social environment. Davis added that unlike gambling in places like Vegas or Laughlin, “Nobody takes it too seriously. It’s not intimidating at all.”

As the evening wound down, folks made their way out onto the Isabella “strip” to head home. They may not have been looking at neon as far as the eye could see, but from the big smiles on their faces, it seems safe to say that Lady Luck was kind to quite a few of them.