LaGRANGE — It was a packed house Thursday as the Emmaus Shelter held its fifth annual Blues and Barbeque fundraiser at Del’Avante.

The event showcased a variety of flavors of smoked barbecue from restaurants like Country’s Barbecue, Hog Heaven, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Kimble’s Food by Design and others.

Many folks also danced the night away to a variety of bands and vocalists singing the blues.

Jessica David, executive director of Emmaus Shelter, said this year’s crowd was the biggest yet.

“We attended a party where God was the host,” she explained. “The music was orchestrated in heaven with Buzz Andrews, Mike Casey, Ray David and many more … the decor blew everyone’s minds, it was so beautiful … the food was crazy good and everyone in attendance found a way to give more.”

Dozens of items were up for bid during the silent auction. Guests walked among tables filled with merchandise like excursion tickets to Disney World, See Rock City, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, authentic Appalachian hand-hewn platters, local spa services and an autographed guitar by country music artist Tracy Lawrence.

The event helped raise operating costs for the day shelter, women’s facility and the new men’s building located on Hill Street. David said she hoped the organization also could use some of the funds to open up another warming center during the cold nights this winter.

Last year the event raised more than $20,000 for the organization, David said. Organizers do not yet have a final total from this year’s fundraiser.