Texarkana’s first Yule Ball will be Dec. 21
TEXARKANA, Texas — The longest night of the year is often marked with traditions of staying up late, and Texarkana will be no exception with the Yule Ball at the Collins Home.
The event, open to people of all ages, will feature the musical stylings of DJ Qwilla, light food and refreshments, and will be documented by local photographer Lam Light Photography.
Event host Courtney Hill was struck by inspiration after being laid off from her job in March after her workplace downsized.
“I was at a bit of a crossroads,” Hill said. “I decided I might try to start my own business.”
Hill began online Reiki and spiritual healing courses, and her final project was to branch out into her community to grow her business, which led to the Yule Ball.
Hill said she is studying how to make herbal tinctures and salves through her online courses in hopes of selling the home remedies. She also is learning how to create tea blends.
“Reiki is a form of energy healing, an alternative, holistic type of healing,” Hill said. “It has to do with the chakras in your body by clearing energy blocks or fine tuning the energy field.”
“I’m just trying to get my name out there and build a community as well, like in the spirit of the Triwizard Tournament,” Hill said. “I want to bring people together from different walks of life in the spirit of community and make new connections.”
The Triwizard Tournament is a reference from the Harry Potter series, where students from three different countries gather to compete in dangerous games. The Yule Ball was the culmination of the competition, allowing students to fraternize.
Hill’s love for the magical Potter series came a bit later than most, as she saw the first film as a teen.
“I was like, this is the best movie I’ve ever seen,” Hill said. “So that started my lifelong love of Harry Potter.”
Hill said she went to each movie premier and saw the last film in Russian due to being out of the country at the time of its release.
“I have a picture with the actor that plays Neville Longbottom because I’m a huge fan,” Hill said.
Hill said she has sold 12 tickets so far and has only heard positive words about her upcoming event.
“Friends have been really supportive in helping me spread the word,” Hill said. “I have 200 tickets for sale.”
Hill made sure to emphasize that knowledge of Harry Potter was not necessary to attend the Yule Ball.
“It’s just a fun thing for everyone to do around the holidays,” Hill said. “As someone who is a bit of a clothes horse, (dressing up in formal wear) is something that really appeals to me, so I thought it might appeal to other people as well, to just have a chance to go and buy a really fancy dress and go out with their friends and have a really good time.”
Hill shared an anecdote about a friend who never got to go to prom. The Yule Ball will give the friend a chance to relive the past.
Adult tickets are $20 and child tickets are $10.
The Yule Ball will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1915 Olive St.
To learn more about the event, visit tinyurl.com/mswry47y or the associated Facebook event page.