BY KAREN BOSSICK

It’s Hoe-Down time!

Syringa Mountain School will throw its third annual FUNdraiser Hoe-Down from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the old Bellevue Bible Camp Barn on Broadford Road.

The evening at the beautiful Natootsi estate will include music by the Kim Stocking Band, line dancing led by Dale and Peggy Bates, food served up by the Wood River Sustainability Center and beer and wine.

There also will be a silent and live auction and a raffle.

Cost is $50 per person or $95 per couple, available by calling the school at 208-806-2880 or visiting www.syringamountainschool.org

Last year’s Hoe Down raised more than $100,000 for the school.

“Not to mention it was a great night out—great people and great music,” said Ginger Ferries, Syringa Parent Council co-chair. “People get into the Western spirit and give line dancing a try and really enjoy themselves.”

Raffle prizes include an Outdoor Outlaw package valued at $800 and a Restaurant Round-up package valued at $700. Raffle prizes are $10 each or six for $50.

Businesses and individual who would like to help underwrite the cost of the event can avail themselves of sponsorship packages starting at $250. All packages include tickets to the event and advertising for the sponsor.

Syringa Mountain School is the first public charter school in Idaho guided by the core principles of Waldorf education. There are more than 60 such schools nationwide.

A kindergarten-through sixth-grade school, it is a free public option for families who prize multi-sensory-focused and student-driven learning.

“My son Huxley is in the second grade. He’s a heartfelt kid with a love for nature, knitting, singing and even reading and math. And he absolutely loves going to school,” said Aris Flood.

“Syringa receives about half of the money it needs form the state, but the rest comes through fundraisers and donations, she added.