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LEWISTOWN -- No one can ever accuse Jill Wagner of dropping the ball.
After all, Wagner has seen thousands of balls fall from the sky for the Lewistown Country Club Golf Ball Drop over the past two years.
The third edition of the annual fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday. This summer event raises money for projects that improve the golf experience at Lewistown Country Club.
"Lewistown Country Club is not a traditional country club made up of wealthy members, but we are a small community of golfers made up primarily of moderate income families with limited discretionary spending," said Wagner, who serves as the LCC Membership Committee chairperson. "Many LCC members have spent countless hours volunteering to update both the interior and exterior of the facility.
"However, even with volunteer labor the club must rely on fundraisers to help provide the funding needed to make these projects come to life," she added.
The fun-filled event is open to the public and features about 1,000 numbered golf balls, which will be dropped onto a golf green from the bucket of the Junction Fire Co. of Lewistown's tower ladder truck.
There will be cash prizes for golf balls closest and farthest from the hole. Additionally, there will be live music from "DJ Ritty" Jim Rittenhouse from 6 to 7 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. Friday as well as Petrified Wood, a band of club golfers from 7 to 9 p.m.
Additionally, the Iron River Grille will offer food specials. There will also be other opportunities to win cash and prizes. Organizers said several hundred people attended last year's event.
A portion of the proceeds from the Golf Ball Drop will fund the replacement of the course's irrigation system. Upgrading the irrigation system is long overdue and currently underway. Since the total price tag of the project is more than $1 million, it is being completed in phases.
The first phase involves the installation of a new electric pumping station on the course. That is being completed now. Work continues on securing grant money for future portions of the project, but that is a slow process.
"By improving the course, we hope to attract new golfers both locally and from outside the county," said Susie Cannon, LCC Membership Committee member. "These guests not only will golf at Lewistown Country Club, but hopefully support other restaurants and local businesses. Thus, leading to a positive economic impact on our area."
Tickets cost $10 each and are for sale at either the Lewistown Country Club business office or at the Iron River Grille. Cash or check payments are accepted. The numbered balls will also be sold on the day of the event.
"Everyone had a ball last year," Cannon added. No pun intended.
For more information, call (717) 242-2544.