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The

Northgate Band Boosters will host their second annual

steak dinner Saturday, Feb. 12 and is inviting everyone

to come eat and enjoy the entertainment.

Proceeds

from the dinner will assist the young band program in

purchasing some needed band instruments. "When we

started in 1996, we shared instruments with what was then

Northgate Middle School," said director Alan

Armstrong. "Then the middle school moved to Madras,

and we had to split up the instruments, which left us

both with very few, very old instruments."

The

school's growing student population poses the program

additional challenges. "With possibly 50-70 students

joining the program next year, we will need a few more

sousaphones, tubas, mellophones and percussion equipment

- the instruments most students' familyies can't

afford," Armstrong said. "For instance, one

sousaphone, used and reconditioned, can cost

$2,500."

Many local

businesses and organizations are providing support of the

dinner. "Without our sponsors, this dinner would not

be possible," said dinner director Russell Bradley.

"We appreciate their help and we plan to recognize

our sponsors so that our community knows who supported

our kids."

The steak

dinner will be served dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m. Andy

Denny and the Back Porch Band will provide entertainment

both during and after the dinner for those wishing to cut

the rug.

Pickup

orders will be available beginning at 6:30. Tickets are

$25 per person. For information or to purchase tickets,

phone Russell or Karen Bradley at 770-463-9444.