SATURDAY : COUNTRY WESTERN

Ventura County’s country-music event of the year, the annual Gold Dust Gala benefit, returns to Seaside Park, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, for an evening of dancing and live music. The highlight of this cowboy prom will be a concert by national recording artist Hal Ketchum, whose string of hits include “Past the Point of Rescue,” “Mama Knows the Highway,” “Stay Forever” and the current single “Every Little Word.” There’s also a barbecue dinner, dance lessons and prizes. The gala is presented by Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Proceeds go toward the purchase of medical diagnostic equipment needed at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Event hours: 5 p.m. to midnight. Tickets: $50 ($28 tax deductible). Information: 652-5009.