A decade ago, the Ravalli County Fair Board’s rodeo committee decided it wanted to do something special for its major sponsors.
Back then, it had no idea just how popular the annual Cowboy Ball would become or how important it would be in making improvements at Hamilton's rodeo arena.
“When we first started, we thought if we could just break even, we would be happy,” remembered Fair Board and Rodeo Committee member Rod Freeman. “When we made $6,000, we all said ‘wow.’”
Since then, the money raised from the annual event has paid for skyboxes, 4-H horse pens and disabled seating in the new grandstands. Beyond that, it also helps co-sponsor the big screen at the fair rodeo.
“We’ve been able to accomplish quite a bit,” Freeman said.
As the committee prepares to celebrate its almost 10th annual event — there was a break last year due to COVID — Freeman said there are some changes in store for the folks who like to put on their cowboy best and dance the night away.
People are also reading…
For the first time, this year’s dinner on Saturday, Feb. 12 will be catered.
“We’re really dressing it up this year,” Freeman said. “We’ve put a lot of money into decorations. We’re trying to make it really nice for people.”
Tickets are already going fast for the dinner. All of the sweetheart tables for two are sold. As of Thursday afternoon, there were 17 of the 40 tables still open.
The tables for eight cost $400. Each person at the table will have their choice of a brisket or herb-roasted chicken dinner prepared by University of Montana Catering. There is also a jackfruit vegan option. A dessert bar will be prepared by local 4-H groups. Each person also receives two drink tokens and a complimentary commemorative wine glass.
People interested in attending the dinner but don’t want to buy an entire table can pay $75. Seven tables are set aside for individual ticket sales.
Doors for the dinner event will open at 5 p.m.
To give the caterer plenty of time to prepare, Freeman said all table and ticket sales need to be completed by Tuesday, Feb. 1 at the Fair Office, 406-363-3411.
For those folks just interesting in tapping their toes to the sounds of the 406 Band, doors will open at 8 p.m. Adults will pay $20, kids 17-12 are $10 and under 12 are free. The band will play up to 11:30 p.m.
The 406 Saloon of Darby will be manning the bar.
The event also includes a 50/50 raffle as well as silent and live auctions.
Steve Russell, the pastor of the Cowboy Church, will serve as MC. The auctioneer is Jamie Stanek.
The theme of this year’s event is Dine, Drink, Dance and Donate.
Freeman said the event at the fairground’s First Interstate Center typically attracts 500 people.
“That’s been pretty consistent every year,” Freeman said. “People have a good time.”
Tables going fast for annual Cowboy Ball | Local News | ravallirepublic.com - Ravalli Republic
Read More
No comments:
Post a Comment