Organizer Liesl Jauk was greeting guests at the front door with a big "howdy".

Resident ranch artist Davide Ban donated some of his impressive metal work to the auction.

Hamming it up for the camera was actors Brian Becker (from left), Jane Janfische and T.J. Hayward.

Artist Ken Wallace posed in front of his oil painting entitled "Coast Rim #1" which he donated for auction.

Sarah Hicklendon (left) and Lindsay Petit came along as guests of the winter club's food and beverage manager.

Showing off their artistic flair was the talented Margaretha Bootsma (left) and Barb Snyder.

Mark Houtman and Darci Pinder are getting married this August. Darci has been going to the Flying U Ranch since 1986 and just loves horses.

Actor Troy Yorke (from left), Paul Wong and Christopher Small were caught up in a practice bidding war in anticipation of the big event.

Ken Panser and Christine Shaw are avid art collectors who just also happen to be part of North Van's film community. Ken was working on the "Dark Angel" series.

*big*

They're the real cowboys in the band and they had the crowd just jumping. From left: ranch owner John Fremlin, wrangler/singer Michael Dickson and outrider cum groundskeeper Frank Galbraith.

Volunteer Rita Buchwitz (left) was busy helping event organizer and Fend Players' general manager Gail Ouellette sell tickets.

Backing up Jim Byrnes was drummer Jerry Adolphe (from left). He chatted with guitar player Andreas Schuld and singer Hanz Stamer beforehand.