Casper, WY – On Saturday, Sept. 25, a coalition of downtown Casper merchants and community groups will honor the late country‑music icon Dolly Parton with a citywide celebration dubbed “Dolly Day.” The event, organized by local resident Buffie LaRocca, aims to combine fun family activities with a fundraiser for the Casper Youth Hub, a new nonprofit that provides after‑school programs and resources for local children.
Family‑focused festivities begin at the library
Activities kick off at 10 a.m. at the Natrona County Public Library with a children’s storytime and Dolly‑themed coloring stations. Parents can also register their kids for the Imagination Library, the free book‑by‑mail program that Parton founded, ensuring a monthly delivery of age‑appropriate books to young readers.
Shop‑local passport program encourages downtown spending
From noon until 8 p.m., roughly 20 downtown businesses will participate in a “passport” program. Shoppers receive a passport at the library, Bookin’ It, or ART 321 and collect stamps at each participating venue. Each stamp earns raffle tickets, with a bonus of ten extra tickets for completing the full route.
Participating merchants include Metro Coffee, Backwards Distillery, Josey’s Boba Tea, Oats And Goats, The Drinkery, Babe & Ruthie Boutique, The Shade Tree Boutique, Denaj Permanent Jewelry, Wool & Whimsy Yarn Shop, Racca’s Pizzeria, The Wilted Daisy, Metalmark Studios, CitiWerks, The Cadillac Cowgirl, June Bugs Store, Sauaro Spa, Fashion Crossroads, and more.
Special drinks and a trucker‑hat design bar
LaRocca highlighted a “cup of ambition” served at Metro Coffee and a specialty cocktail at Backwards called the “Good Golly Miss Dolly,” described as a berry‑pie‑flavored drink with vodka and cream cheese. A trucker‑hat design bar will be hosted by Denaj Permanent Jewelry, allowing participants to customize their own Dolly‑inspired caps.
Costume contest and “Dolly Dash” walk
At 6 p.m., costumed participants—dressed as Dolly or other country legends such as Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson—will gather outside Bookin’ It for the “Dolly Dash,” a walk through the downtown district that culminates in a look‑alike contest at CitiWerks. The contest winner will receive a professional photoshoot package valued at about $300.
Raffle and live entertainment wrap up the day
The evening concludes at CitiWerks with Dolly‑themed karaoke, live piano sing‑alongs, local artist showcases, and the raffle draw. All raffle proceeds will be directed to the Casper Youth Hub, reinforcing the nonprofit’s mission to expand educational and enrichment opportunities for the city’s children.
“When you look at how many millions and millions of dollars she’s given, it’s just incredible,” LaRocca said. “I feel like we could use more givers like Dolly in the world.” She hopes “Dolly Day” becomes an annual tradition, with a different charitable partner each year and an expanding roster of participating businesses.
The event reflects Casper’s strong community spirit, encouraging families to shop locally, celebrate a beloved cultural figure, and support a cause that aligns with the city’s commitment to nurturing its youth.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
