Northwest Cherry Festival weekend kicks off Thursday evening with the Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation’s “Saddle Up and Celebrate” fundraiser. The event is in its second year, and CGCC Foundation executive director Stephanie Hoppe says it features line dancing, a prime rib and chicken dinner, and a live auction. The event will be held in the Fort Dalles Readiness Center. The evening begins with line dancing lessons at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 6 p.m., the auction at 7 p.m., and then more dancing at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be $40 at the door.