The fourth annual Barn Blast, benefiting the Anson County Partnership for Children, was nothing short of a blast, raising more than $27,000.

The Barn Blast, held Friday night, Jan. 29, at the National Guard Armory in Wadesboro, drew a record crowd, despite the impending winter storm that hit the area later that night.

"We exceeded our goal, which was $25,000," said Partnership executive director Elaine Scarborough. "And it was all because of the support of the Anson County community."

She added that all of the money raised during Friday night's event— which included both a silent and live auction, a performance by local band Natural Reaction, dinner and dancing— will go directly toward books for Anson County children.

"With our Smart Start budget decreasing— and it looks like it will decrease even more this year— this will enable us to continue our Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which puts books in the hands of children up to age 5 throughout Anson County," Scarborough said. "We have almost 1,000 kids enrolled right now."

Ticket sales were the highest they've ever been, she added, and the actual attendance at the event constituted "a full house."

"We had terrific support from our board members this year, as well," Scarborough said. "A lot of them donated, helped us find sponsorships, sold tickets, did whatever they needed to do to make this event a success."

Scarborough also thanked the community, as well as her Partnership staff. "It really took everyone to make it successful," she said.

She also thanked Anson Bank and Trust for serving as the event's presenting sponsor, with a $3,000 donation.

With this year's Barn Blast in the books, plans are already under way for the 2011 event. The fifth annual Barn Blast is planned for Friday, Jan. 28, 6-11 p.m., also at the National Guard Armory in Wadesboro.