Chance to tour Glorianna big draw in Woman's Civic event

Newsboy photo/ Sharon Kerr IT LOOKS LIKE BLUEGRASS, but it's not Kentucky. Glorianna Farms and the Woman's Civic Club will host a Kentucky Derby luncheon with prizes, a silent auction, an art sale and a tour of the grounds, Liz McClurg (left) and Darlene Nolen scout the gardens for the April 10 event.

The Kentucky Derby is "the first jewel in the triple crown" of thoroughbred horseracing, and this year the Jewel of the Forest will have a chance to experience the pomp and tradition that surrounds the event right here in Jasper.

The Woman's Civic Club is sponsoring the second annual Kentucky Derby luncheon Thursday, April 10. This year it will be at Glorianna Farms, three miles south of Jasper on Springhill Road.

The farm was pioneered by Ehud Norsworthy and his wife, Sara. After Norsworthy's death, Sara married Jasper News-Boy founder Capt. Edwin Kellie, who named the plantation Glorianna. the property is now owned by Ed and Lynn Few.

"We moved the luncheon to Glorianna Farms when the Fews called and offered," said Liz McClurg, chairman of the event. "Gloriana is absolutely gorgeous and lends itself so beautifully to the theme of the event that we were thrilled to be invited," McClurg said.

The event is open to all and will include a silent auction, a prize for the best Kentucky Derby hat, a buggy-ride tour of the grounds, and lunch.

This year the East Texas Art League will also have an art show and sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Woman's Civic Club.

"The committee felt that the Art League has so much to offer with their local talent that we thought it would be a natural match," said McClurg.

The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $18, available from Woman's Civic Club members or by calling Darlene Nolen at 384-8759 or Linda Lang at 383-1498.