We’ve got an announcement to make regarding next Wednesday night’s Hayride event at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it!

Moon Griffon will be in the building. More than that, Moon Griffon will be at the podium.

Our keynote speaker, Melissa Mackenzie of The American Spectator, has a medical emergency in her family. Her son requires surgery, and it’s scheduled for next week. Melissa will be on hand for a future Hayride event to be sure, but we’re bringing in the rainmaker for a pinch-hit appearance.

So Moon will be joining State Representative Laurie Schlegel, Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill and Hayride publisher Scott McKay as the speakers for the event next Wednesday, May 4.

There are still some tickets available, but they’re going fast – particularly with today’s development. You might want to snap yours up today.

The event will come off just like previous ones we’ve done. It’ll start with a 6:00 cocktail hour, which will be an open bar for beer and wine and a cash bar for mixed drinks and other spirits. Just after 7:00 we’ll have dinner and the program.

Moon’s arrival on the speaking roster marks a first for a Hayride event, though we trust it won’t be the last time he joins us. And of course Liz Murrill has argued five times in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the state of Louisiana; she’s a candidate for Attorney General in next year’s elections. Laurie Schlegel is a first-term legislator from Metairie who took over after winning a special election to replace Charles Henry; she’s rapidly built a reputation as one of the brightest stars in the legislature.

We’re really excited about this year’s event, and we hope you are, too. Tickets for the event are $80, and table sponsorships, which include a reserved table with signage and 10 tickets for your invited guests, go for $1500.

Here’s a link to buy tickets for the event. And here’s a link by which your organization can sponsor a table. We’ll see you on May 4!