The Winchester Kiwanis Club is preparing for its second East Kentucky Variety Show fundraiser starting this weekend at the George Rogers Clark High School auditorium.

According to club member Russ Morrison, the show will begin Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. exactly. The show is expected to last about two and a half hours, finishing up about 9:30 p.m.

“We have bluegrass bands, Winchester Christian Ballet, Thoroughbred Gymnastics and more acts lined up,” Morrison said.

Friday night will feature performances from Winchester Christian Ballet, Country Music Association member Ralph Curtis, the Broadway Baptist Praisers with Lorenzo Taylor, Thoroughbred Gymnastics and Avis and Rochelle Thompson, a mother-daughter music duo from Beattyville.

Saturday’s show will feature the Gary and Larry Lawson Band, Beth Deen, a Lexington musician with Studio88, The Steve Cope Band, the Ralph Curtis Band and Kevin Richardson.

Morrison said there will be a 20- to 25- minute intermission during the show to give the larger acts time to set up. 

Proceeds from the show will be used to fund Kiwanis programs throughout the year, in particular the annual Walk With a Child program that allows Kiwanians to purchase school clothes, shoes and coats for Clark County students. The event is scheduled for Sept. 23 this year.

Morrison said the cost per each child comes out to about $80, and the more money raised, the more students the club will be able to take shopping.

Last year the club was able to purchase clothes for more than 135 students ranging in age from preschool to fourth grade, Morrison said. This year, the club hopes to help even more, with about 175 children invited.

“Our purchase of clothing, coats or shoes for school helps them with self esteem and their parents or guardians to reduce their expenses as well,” Morrison said.

He added the club is looking for volunteers to help take students through the Winchester Walmart the morning of the event.