SIDNEY -- As the clock ticked toward the new year, dancers prepared for a night of performing before their peers. 

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce hosted its second Dancing With the Stars event at the Cheyenne County Community Center. Attendees were treated to a steak dinner, drinks and a night of entertainment by their friends and neighbors. 

Chamber Board member and event Chair Kiersten Richards said they set for more than double the seating of the first year. 

“It was incredible. We had about 100 last year. We were shooting for 200. We had seats, I think 250 people,” Richards said. 

She said this year’s event was sold out. 

She said the event committee reviews residents countywide, those who would have fun dancing. Committee members contact potential competitors. Richards said the list quickly goes from very large to short. How personalities match is also a consideration, she said. Richards said many new friendships are made in the process. 

“They all formed friendships that was really fun to see. They had a blast, a lot of hard work into it, a lot of dedication,” she said. 

Three awards were presented: Best Dressed went to Kayla Wells and Chad Radtke, People’s Choice to Karsen Rosenbaum and Ryan Birner, and Overall to Taylor Wills and Dwight Easterly.