Dancing with the Stars of Durant is progressing nicely, and names of the dancers have been released. The evening will include fine dining, watching the stars perform, and dancing for everyone. The event, to be held September 18, 2010, at Choctaw Casino Resort’s Center Stage, is a fundraiser for Durant Main Street. 

The list of community leaders putting it on the line for the organization has been finalized. The names of the Stars matched with their Dancers are: 

·         Jody House, the Voice of the Choctaw Nation, and Lana Sleeper

·         Dr. Larry Minks, President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and Joan Hannan

·         David Keese, Corporate Attorney for First United Bank, and Julia Castro

·         Tod Harrison, Durant Intermediate School Principal, and Jenny Wills

·         Lisanne Anderson, News Anchor for KTEN, and Ron Alexander

·         Sterling Riggs, News Anchor for ABC Texoma, and Amy West

·         Janet Reed, Executive Director of Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, and Joe Hill

Sponsorships are being finalized at this time. Winners will be selected by “Most Money Raised” and “Dancing Abilities”. Online voting for the team of your choice will begin on Monday, August 30, and continue until the event at www.durantmainstreet.org. Votes can also be cast in Downtown businesses beginning this week or at the event.

Tickets will go on sale on August 30, but reservations are now being taken at the Durant Main Street office. Tickets included with sponsorship packages receive priority, and the remainder of the seating will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. The venue does not admit persons under 18.

The latest updates will be posted to Durant Main Street’s Twitter feed and Facebook page. Dancers are taking an extremely competitive approach to the performance. Practices are going on throughout Texoma, and costuming is becoming serious. One Star has even set up a website to generate interest for their team.

Event Co-Chairs Jill Reyna and Jeanne Porter of J J Mundi are joined by Nicole Page of Page Surveying and Donna Dow of Durant Main Street. For sponsorship or ticket information, contact the Durant Main Street Office 580-924-1550 or e-mail ddow@durantmainstreet.org.