BRIDLES & BLUE JEANS 2026
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are so excited to welcome you to this year’s Bridles & Blue Jeans: An Evening in Shangri-La on Saturday, April 11, 2026! Below is everything you need to know to prepare for an incredible evening. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to give us a call at (865) 988-4711, and we will be happy to help!
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What does this event support?
Bridles & Blue Jeans: An Evening in Shangri-La supports STAR’s Mission of fostering personal achievement by providing therapeutic experiences using horse-related activities for persons with disabilities and other special challenges — making a meaningful difference in our community while creating a fun, unforgettable night.
Where is the event, and where do I park?
Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding Barn & Arena
11800 Highway 11 E.
Lenoir City, TN 37772
Complimentary valet parking will be available upon arrival, so you can jump right into the fun.
11800 Highway 11 E.
Lenoir City, TN 37772
Complimentary valet parking will be available upon arrival, so you can jump right into the fun.
What time does the event start?
All guests will stop at the Registration Check-in table in our Great Room upon arrival to pick up nametags and bidder numbers. The Great Room is located inside our Administrative Building.
- 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. → VIP Reception for Platinum & Gold Sponsors in the STAR Barn.
- 6:00 p.m. → STAR Barn and Arena Doors Open to all Guests.
What is the general schedule for the event?
- 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – VIP Reception, STAR Barn
- 5:30 p.m. – Rick Terry Bracelet Sales for VIP Reception Guests
- 6:00 p.m. – Barn and Arena Doors Open to All: Silent & Live Auction Package Viewing, Heads & Tails Bead Purchase, STAR Wish List, Passed Appetizers, Soft Drinks, Beer, and Special Event Cocktails Available
- 6:10 p.m. – Rick Terry Bracelet Sales for All Guests, Indoor Arena (limited supplies)
- 7:10 p.m. – Dinner Service Begins, Indoor Arena
- 7:30 p.m. – Silent Auction Online Bidding Ends, Welcome Remarks
- 7:40 p.m. – Live Auction Begins (Items not available for online bidding)
- 8:00 p.m. – Program: “An Evening in Shangri-La"
- 8:20 p.m. – Paddle Raise
- 8:35 p.m. – Heads & Tails Game (Limit two (2) beads per person, $20 each for a chance to win $1,000)
- 8:50 p.m. – Rick Terry Diamond Ring Giveaway (Eligible for those who purchase bracelets)
- 9:00 p.m. – Event Ends, Auction Check-out and Item Pick Up (STAR Barn/Tack Room)
What happens during the VIP Reception Hour?
VIP guests (Platinum & Gold Sponsored tables only) are invited to enjoy an exclusive reception in the STAR Barn from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Check with your table host to confirm your sponsor level if you’re not sure!
VIP guests will enjoy:
Note: Rick Terry Jewelry Design Bracelet sales for VIP guests begin at 5:30 p.m. in the STAR Barn, while supplies last. An additional 100 bracelets (of a different design) will also be available for purchase in the Indoor Arena beginning at 6:10 p.m. for all guests, $40 each while supplies last. (Limit one per transaction).
VIP guests will enjoy:
- Early access to view all Silent Auction items on display.
- Bottomless complimentary specialty cocktails.
- A premium charcuterie spread from Amazing Graze.
- A Bourbon Tasting featuring select pours from the Woodford Reserve collection.
- A special opportunity to purchase an exclusive Rick Terry Jewelry Design bracelet – a unique design available only at the VIP Reception for purchase to the first 50 guests in line! ($40 each, limit one per transaction).
- Time to mingle with the STAR Horses.
- A visit to our photo booth to snap pictures with friends.
Note: Rick Terry Jewelry Design Bracelet sales for VIP guests begin at 5:30 p.m. in the STAR Barn, while supplies last. An additional 100 bracelets (of a different design) will also be available for purchase in the Indoor Arena beginning at 6:10 p.m. for all guests, $40 each while supplies last. (Limit one per transaction).
What is the Rick Terry Jewelry Designs bracelet purchase opportunity?
Knoxville favorite, Rick Terry, will be selling exclusive bracelets for $40 each to Bridles and Blue Jeans guests, while supplies last. Guests are eligible to purchase one bracelet per transaction for a chance to win a Diamond Ring (valued at $5,500) at the close of the event! All guests who purchase a bracelet will be eligible for the Diamond Ring drawing!
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How to participate:
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Important Details:
- VIP Sales begin at 5:30 p.m. in the STAR Barn; General Sales begin at 6:10 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.
What can I do if I'm not part of the VIP Reception, but I arrive before 6:00 p.m.?
If you arrive early but are not a VIP Reception guest, you are welcome to check-in at registration, find your dinner table and relax in the arena, get in line in the arena for a chance to purchase a Rick Terry bracelet, preview Live Auction items, visit our photo booth, and begin bidding on silent auction items online until the STAR Barn opens at 6:00 p.m. to view the packages live.
When should I find my seat for dinner?
Upon arrival at Registration, guests will be given a nametag and bidder number paddle. Volunteers will be located in the Indoor Arena to assist with finding your table assignment for dinner. You may enter the Indoor Arena to find your table and place any items at your seat while you enjoy the event. Don’t forget to keep your mobile device handy so you can bid throughout the evening!
- 7:00 p.m. → Guests are asked to find their seats
- 7:10 p.m. → Dinner service begins
- Wine is available at every table for self-service
What should I wear?
The event is casual and comfortable, and dressing in denim is always encouraged!
A few things to remember:
A few things to remember:
- Jeans and relaxed attire are perfect – but feel free to add any sparkle or flair!
- Cowboy hats are welcome; it is a barn with horses!
- Dinner will take place in our indoor arena which has a synthetic sand floor. For comfort, avoid wearing spiked heels and sandals – boots and flats are always a good choice!
- The barn and arena are not climate controlled, so dress accordingly for the weather.
What food and drinks will be served?
- Appetizers: Provided by Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille
- Dinner: Brisket meal and sides provided by Jim 'N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q
- Wine: Four (4) bottles of wine will be provided at each table – Two (2) red and Two (2) white (Courtesy of D&V Distributing)
- Coffee: Complimentary self-serve coffee station (Courtesy of Ramblin’ Joe's Coffee)
- STAR Signature Cocktails: Served in a commemorative glass (Complimentary for VIP guests, $10 to purchase commemorative glass for all other guests with unlimited refills, while supplies last. Payment accepted by cash or bidder number) (*Bar in the barn only)
- Assorted Beer: Michelob Ultra, Hippies & Cowboys IPA, Urban Hiker Tennessee Lager (Made possible by Tennessee Brew Works and Eagle Distributing)
- Other Options: Soft drinks and water
Two bars will be available, one in the Indoor Arena and one in the Barn.
How can I bid on Silent Auction items?
New this year! — All Silent Auction bidding will be done completely online!
Important:
- Silent Auction Bidding can be done on your mobile phone via website log-in to our bidding site.
- Guests can browse and bid on Silent Auction items digitally throughout the evening no matter where you are! All bids must be entered by 7:30 p.m. when winners will be determined.
- Got out-bid on your favorite item? No worries! An alert will be sent to your phone throughout the event until 7:30 p.m. letting you know you’ve been out-bid. To bid again, simply click a button and keep on enjoying the evening from wherever you are!
Important:
- Please register in advance of the event to create your bidder profile. Each bidder will need a log-in established in order to bid on items.
- You can pre-load your credit card payment information to make check-out a breeze! You can also change your form of payment to cash or check at the event.
- Pre-registration ensures a smooth and quick bidding experience when you arrive. We highly recommend registering before the event so you don’t miss out on any of the bidding fun!
- To set up your online bidding account and profile, Click HERE.
- Check back daily before the event, as we'll be adding new auction packages as they become available.
- **Remember to bring a phone charger or power bank for your phone, if needed.**
How can I bid on Live Auction items?
All Live Auction Bidding will be done in-person during the dinner/program portion of the event in the Indoor Arena. Only guests in attendance will be able to bid on Live Auction items.
How do I participate in Heads & Tails?
Heads & Tails is a crowd favorite interactive game that invites the opportunity to win $1,000 in cash! All guests are invited to purchase up to two (2) beaded necklaces upon arrival at the event. Beads are required to play the game during the event, where a single winner is determined.
- Beads are available for purchase at the event.
- $20 per necklace.
- Forms of payment: Cash or Bidder Number.
How do I pay for my items and donations?
When you set up your online silent auction account, you will be able to put a card on file at that time. In addition, you may also put a card on file when you check in for the evening. All cards on file will be charged no earlier than Wednesday, April 15.
Can I change my method of payment?
Yes, just let one of the volunteers who will be checking out guests in the Tack Room know that you want to pay with a different option, and they can assist you.
Payment options:
Can I change my method of payment?
Yes, just let one of the volunteers who will be checking out guests in the Tack Room know that you want to pay with a different option, and they can assist you.
Payment options:
- Credit Card (3.5% convenience fee applies)
- Cash
- Check
Any final tips?
- Bring cash for quick purchases (optional but always helpful!)
- Don’t miss out on the Rick Terry bracelet opportunity--lines form early and bracelets sell fast. Sales are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Eligible for the Rick Terry Diamond Ring drawing? You must be present at the time of the drawing to claim your prize.
- Most importantly… have fun and enjoy the evening! Welcome to an Evening in Shangri-La!
