Photos by Colby Brown / SpokesmanLEFT: Attendees were encouraged to wear masks to the ball Dec. 31. RIGHT: Katie Houch and Justin Yoder take a pause from the festivities at the ball.

Local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4108 rekindled its tradition of a New Year’s Eve party with a Masquerade Ball on Dec. 31. The night began with a prime rib dinner, which continued into the ball. Both were open to the public. This was the inaugural Masquerade Ball, with a black and white theme this year.

“We’re bringing in a new generation, and a lot of our war fighters are looking for camaraderie,” said Post Commander Judith Berger. “If we can provide that, as well as do something for the community, we will.”

They plan to hold the party again next year, and again it will be open to the public. More than 120 reserved a plate for dinner and roughly the same number attended the party. Entry for the party was $10, with proceeds going to support local veterans and Post 4108 operations. Post 4108 is the second-largest in the state, according to Berger, and also has the second-largest wood dance floor in Oregon.

The Post Auxiliary, which is also the second-largest in the state, supported the party and made dinner.

“Central Oregon has a much greater number of veterans per capita in the whole state,” Berger said. “I’m so proud of my post, and to have such great teamwork with the auxiliary is amazing.”

— Reporter, 541-548-2185, cbrown@redmondspokesman.com