JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KLTV) – Jacksonville boutique clothing store Flint Gypsies will host a Mahjong 101 game night Tuesday to raise funds for the Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show.<\/p>\n
The idea started when eight-year-old Sarah Slayton had to come up with a fundraising opportunity for the next junior livestock show as she planned to compete for junior livestock queen. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe were trying to figure out something new and different where out friends, family and customers that we have at Flint Gypsies could help contribute but also have a lot of fun at the same time,\u201d her mother and Flint Gypsies co-owner Heather Slayton explained.<\/p>\n
But why mahjong?<\/p>\n
\u201cTraditional mahjong started out in China many centuries ago, but, in the last few years, American mahjong has just blown wide open here in the United States,\u201d Flint Gypsies co-owner Heather Slayton explained. \u201cThe really quick gist of it is it\u2019s a little bit like rummy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Going over the rules, Heather Slayton explained that American mahjong players often use annual hand cards, including the National Mahjong League card and the newly-released \u201cBig Card,\u201d to determine winning hands.<\/p>\n
The junior livestock show\u2019s contestants raise money throughout the year, with the contestant who raises the most funds crowned queen; though all money raised is pooled together to support scholarships and youth programs nationwide, Heather Slayton said.<\/p>\n
Emily Slayton, last year\u2019s queen and Sarah\u2019s sister, has helped with fundraising and hopes to crown an incoming queen this year.<\/p>\n
The fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Flint Gypsies, 115. E. Commerce in Jacksonville. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance through the boutique\u2019s Facebook page. <\/p>\n
All ticket sales and proceeds from mahjong tiles and accessories sold during the game night will be donated to the livestock show\u2019s fundraising pool, Slayton said. <\/p>\n
Flint Gypsies also plans a Mahjong and Mocktails Social Feb. 1 at the Farmhouse Retreat in Chandler. That event has a $50 admission and is open to players who already know the game.<\/p>\n