One of the most glittering events on the Dallas social calendar turned into a trial by mud for its cowboy-black-tie crowd.
Heavy rain Saturday night left about 1,000 cars and limos of revelers at the Cattle Baron's Ball mired in mud up to their axles.
The ball at a ranch near Kaufman, 32 miles southwest of Dallas, was a benefit for the Dallas-based American Cancer Society. Country music artists Montgomery Gentry and Julianne Hough performed at the event.
The rain left many partygoers drenched and offering up to $1,000 to have their cars pulled from the mud.
Kaufman tow-truck operator Al Luna told The Dallas Morning News that Kaufman County sheriff's officials told him 500 to 1,000 cars were stuck.
Ball Chairwoman Katherine Wynn LaLonde said ball organizers and the American Cancer Society are discussing with insurers how to reimburse ballgoers for their towing expenses.
