Country-Western Themes Lasso the Party Crowd : They are winning popularity for events as diverse as weddings, anniversaries and college homecomings.

My favorite scene in the film “Urban Cowboy” is when Debra Winger’s Texas tomboy character, Sissy, models her wedding dress. Her mother exclaims how lovely she looks. Sissy responds by hitching up her bridal gown to reveal white cowboy boots as she complains, “But Mama, my legs are sweating.”

In 1980, that incongruous picture struck me as bizarre. But these days the appearance of the country-Western theme in everything from weddings to bar mitzvahs is becoming commonplace.

For several years, K-HAY radio has been holding “Country Celebrations” as advertising promotions as well as community fund-raising events to benefit causes including Future Farmers of America, Toys for Tots, and the recent Red Cross Earthquake Relief Fund.

In the last two years, the idea has caught on with the public. In addition to country-Western weddings and birthday parties, you’ll see Cal Lutheran University’s homecoming this October go country. And corporate country events are the rage at the Ojai Valley Inn’s refurbished barn at nearby scenic Rancho Dos Rios.

According to marketing director Alison Brainard, the response has been overwhelming since the barn opened two months ago.

A recent group of Canadian chemists were having so much fun that they requested overtime, Brainard said. I guess they don’t see a lot of Tush Push in Saskatchewan.

The attraction of country-Western for many hosts is the chance to introduce guests to a new experience. That appeals to many charitable groups and clubs. For example, in August more than 300 guests helped the 40-Leaguers club to raise money for medical equipment and scholarships by attending a hoedown at the Maulhardt barn in Oxnard.

Until last week, most of the 50 people at the annual “Boss’s Night” party of the Ventura County Medical Secretaries and Assistants organization had never line danced.

“You see it on TV a lot and hear about,” Janette Lofing said. “But I hadn’t done it yet. And we had a wonderful time. Juan from the Crazy Bull taught and supplied the music.

“Not all the women bring their husbands,” she added. “So one reason we chose line dancing was they could still dance without having a partner.”

The dress code at these shindigs varies. Most uninitiated folks show up in denim, calico and red neckerchiefs--a sure sign it’s their first encounter with a country-Western party. But that’s OK. Fashion can be learned. But it’s not good to be clueless when planning the event and its components.

Depending on your needs, you’ll probably want music, a line dance instructor, a proper setting and a tri-tip barbecue. Some people even rent props, an old movie set or ranch location and a carriage or related equine transportation.

Or you can start small. For example, one friend in Camarillo built a memorable Halloween party around 20 guests and a deejay who hosted country karaoke in the living room. And an Ojai couple recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary by repeating their vows at a winery, then dancing to a live country band.

While a country-Western theme party is novelty entertainment for some folks, many fans of country music and dance naturally go that route for even the most important occasion.

Deborah Boverson and Jonathan Hicks exchanged vows in the yard of her Ojai home last month.

The groom wore a Western shirt, bolo tie and black cowboy boots. The bride chose white, laced-covered high-heeled boots to complement her off-the-shoulder gown. And cowboy hats for guests were optional. But all 240 people got down and boogied to post-nuptial line dancing in the back yard.

“We had a live band and a line dance instructor there if people wanted to learn how to dance. We thought it would be a lot of fun, more relaxed and easier to plan. That’s what a wedding should be about--celebrating,” said Deborah Hicks.

“Plus, it was inexpensive. That way you can use the money toward your honeymoon.”

* FASHION: Country-Western wedding attire is catching on. 25

Details

* FYI: For one-stop shopping for bands, call Local 581, the American Federation of Musicians Union, 643-9953. For line dance instructors and deejays, contact Ojai-based J.R. Productions, 646-1679, or Country Events to Remember consultants, Ed and Sally, in Moorpark, 523-1038. Also, see the yellow pages under “musicians” and “caterers.” For specific dance instructors, contact your local country nightspot for a referral.