Candidate's historical booster: a boot-scootin' party

Shine your belt buckle, dust off your boots and put on your church-goin' clothes — it's time for a good old-fashioned shindig.

Bonita Springs' two oldest families are hosting a Hoedown for our Hometown History this Saturday to raise money for the local historical society.

"You're supposed to dress up, so that should be fun," said Ronda Lyles-Lawhon, the host of the hoedown.

The event is part of Lyles-Lawhon's campaign to become Mayor of Survey, a Bonita Springs Historical Society fundraiser that is an ode to the city's beginnings. Lyles-Lawhon is running against Pete Justis in the race where the candidates buy their votes.

The Hoedown for our Hometown History will be from noon to sundown at the Robert Lawhon Jr. Estate at 27263 Wisconsin St. on the Imperial River. Lyles-Lawhon was born into the family, which is the oldest in the city. She married into the second oldest.

Survey was the name of the area when white settlers first came here. It was later changed to Bonita Springs by developers. The historical society bestows the title Mayor of Survey to whichever candidate raises the most money.

The winner will be announced July 1. In 2004, the fundraiser brought in $3,500; in 2002, it raised $6,000.

Lyles-Lawhon said she is shy and doesn't like to ask people for money, so she felt it was better to have a big event where people could donate money. It is $15 at the door for adults and children get in free. The expected turnout is between 100 and 800 people.

"I don't know if there has ever been a (campaign fundraiser) of this scale," said Charlie Strader, president of the historical society. "It seems like it will be a good thing for us."

The hoedown will feature a hog roast and a variety of other foods served from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. with leftovers afterward.

"Knowing them, there should be some pretty good barbecue," Strader said.

Non-alcoholic drinks will be provided, and people are welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks. The Bonita Springs Lions Club has provided a tent.

"That'll keep us out of the rain and give us some shade," Lyles-Lawhon said.

The event also features live music, swamp buggy rides, mullet boat rides, horses to pet, drawings and a contest for best hoedown costume. Lyles-Lawhon will be wearing a polka-dot shirt with a rattlesnake-skin hat.