Cajun Feast to benefit local Girl Scouts

Country singer Mandy Barnett will perform Thursday to benefit the Girl Scouts of Wilson County.

Barnett, a frequent performer at the Grand Ole Opry and star of the theatrical musical “Always…Patsy Cline,” will perform at the scouts' “Cajun Feast.”

“I’ve been telling people that she sings better than Patsy Cline,” said Cathey Sweeney, regional executive for the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee.

Kathy Hansen, senior vice president with Cracker Barrel and member of the Girl Scouts Board of Directors, will play host for the event.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue through about 7:30 p.m.

Jazz performer Sal Gonzalez will perform before Barnett.

There is no cost for admission, but seating is limited. Donations will be accepted at the door.

“There is no obligation to donate, but we certainly hope that everyone will put a little something in,” said Sweeney.

Any money raised will help fund local Girl Scouts' programming, camps and facilities.

There are about 800 Girl Scouts in Wilson County, and the cost for programming, camps and facilities averages to about $350 per scout.

The organization pays this cost, as well as the training costs for the about 275 adult volunteers.

The organization also maintains an office at the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce building.

“We are a local organization,” said Sweeney.

A limited number of seats are still available for the “Cajun Feast.” Anyone interested in attending can contact Sweeny at 615-453-2473 or csweeney@gsmidtn.org.

Staff writer Sara McManamy-Johnson can be reached at 615-444-3952, ext. 16 or sjohnson@lebanondemocrat.com.

Photo: Submitted Photo

Country music singer Mandy Barnett will perform at a Cajun Feast on Thursday night to benefit the Girl Scouts of Wilson County.