Warrenton Hunt invites you to dress up as your favorite movie star and walk the red carpet at Fauquier Springs Club on February 22 when their annual fundraiser "Night At The Races" recreates the glamorous ambience of 1930s-40s Hollywood at Santa Anita Park.

The evening's attractions and entertainments include the Chateauville Players from the Castleton Music Festival, playing show tunes from that Golden Era, several live auction items, a huge silent auction and, of course, the races.

"Tickets for Night at the Races tend to sell out fast and I sent my reservation in early to snag one of our seven special tables for 10 people," said Michele Mitchell, who serves on the committee for the gala evening. "Special tables are decorated differently, you and your guests are served champagne at the table – you don't have to go to the bar for it. There are chocolates and wonderful little touches that just add to the fun. I'm decorating the tables and I can't wait – this year's Night at the Races is going to be so cool."

Considering last year's party, that's a classic understatement. It seems that the committee has raised the bar (pun intended) and intends to outdo their personal best. Warrenton Hunt's membership takes great pride in both their sporting and social reputations.

Dress code is cocktail attire and black tie for the gentlemen. Warrenton Hunt's masters – Rick Laimbeer, Kim Nash and Celeste Vella – encourage guests to dress up as their favorite movie stars, because there will be a contest. Laimbeer makes a superb Master of Ceremonies and while it's anybody's guess how he will handle replicating the Golden Era of Hollywood at Santa Anita, you can bet that the evening will be great fun.

"The color theme is black, white and red, just like Hollywood in the good old days," said Mitchell. "People should think about red carpet attire or dress as an actor or actress. They might want to think up a group theme for their table."

The festivities begin at 7 and conclude at 11 p.m. The cost of the ticket ($95 per person) includes the open bar and buffet dinner. Each ticket provides the guest with $50 "Betting Bucks" (sorry – no real currency, please), which you wager at betting stations before each of the races projected onto the big screen. Winners' names are put into a hat for a drawing for special prizes.

Warrenton Hunt raises funds to support their hounds with the silent and live auction items. This year's live auction features a trip for four to Santa Anita Park and tour of the backstretch with one of the top trainers, special evening at the Castleton Music Festival, two-night stay at the luxurious Keswick Inn, and private hunt for 15 people with Warrenton Hunt.

This is a "gap" year for the Warrenton Hunt ball, so make your plans to get in on the Night at the Races' red carpet glamour and racing action.

RSVP to Alice Laimbeer (payment by checks only): alaimbeer@gmail.com