Attendees enjoy the country setting complete with sheep in the background, at the home of Malcolm & Ellen Hayward.

Attendees enjoy the country setting complete with sheep in the background, at the home of Malcolm & Ellen Hayward.

Symphony of Northwest Arkansas Maestro Paul Haas and more than 100 SoNA supporters gathered on Friday, August 23, at the Fayetteville home of Malcolm & Ellen Hayward to celebrate SoNA’s upcoming 2013-14 season—the event was sponsored by AT&T and Liberty Bank.

Elmo Hicks catered the dinner while the SoNA Brass Quintet and The Ozark Highlanders Pipe Band entertained guests. The highlight of the evening was an incredible 30-minute fireworks display.

Guests bid on the auction of a John Williams autographed conducting baton that was featured onstage at the SoNA John Williams concert last May, the season’s finale show. The baton raised $3,000 towards SoNA’s new education program, and the baton went to Dewitt Smith of Bella Vista.

It was a beautiful evening that generated $20,000 for SoNA and featured a great mix of people from Northwest Arkansas, including Lewis & Donna Epley, Reed & Mary Ann Greenwood, Joel & Lynn Carver, George & Mary Benjamin, Sandy Edwards, Morriss & Ann Henry, Pete & Margo Heinzelmann, Bob & Linda McMath, Bob & Melinda Nickle, Frank & Sara Sharp, Marybeth Cornwell & Rick Hays, among others.