By Roger Porter
Everyone has their own notion regarding what heralds the true arrival of spring. Many brighten at the first robin, others at the first bloom.
As to my own feelings about the "season of renewal," the true harbinger of spring is the annual Ravalli County Tavern Association Charity Dinner held this year on February 24.
In addition to the anticipation of a great night of fun and frolic, those traveling to Hamilton also journey through the territory dubbed by many the "cradle of Montana history." For the Bitterroot Valley is the ancestral home of the Flathead Indians and Stevensville is the site of both Fort Owen and St. Mary' Mission.
Driving parallel to the Bitter Root Mountains one can only begin to imagine this same scene a bare 200 years ago when few white men beheld the many natural wonders of the valley. Today this same area has almost become a suburb of Missoula and experiences some of the fastest population growth and escalating land values in the state.
The destination for those traveling to this year's RCTA dinner was the Hamilton Eagle' Lodge, host facility for the event over the past several years.
Guests upon entering the Eagle' Lodge paused to register their number for the calcutta raffle to be held later in the evening and to pick up their goodie baskets which contained drink tickets, a mini bottle of spirits, assorted candies and some various other little novelties.
The next stop was the banquet room, once armed with a libation, as guests mingled and meandered through the silent auction items, bidding on those they had a yearning for.
Also available to those wishing to hedge their bets were tickets for the 11th seat at the main raffle to be drawn later. Tickets for a 50/50 drawing were also being peddled throughout the evening, as were chances to win one of the many wine baskets.
Conspicuous by his absence this year was long time MC Mickey Baker. When queried about Mickey' absence a number of association members reported that he had been run out of town by a gaggle of blondes who were determined to put an end to his many blonde jokes.
Doing an admirable job of filling Mickey' shoes this year was Craig Siphers of Properties West. Craig researched his role well as he was able to keep the program rolling throughout the evening.
Those who wished to have another chance at the calcutta raffle drawing moseyed over to the showdown poker table and tried their luck against fellows and gals with a similar ambition.
Verification of the calcutta tickets took place and Tex Irwin, association president rose to the podium to welcome the evening's guests. Those singled out for a big RCTA welcome were Jupe Compton, state president of the Montana Tavern Association, Cal McOmber, second vice president of the state organization and president of the RCTA, and Roger Porter of the Montana Tavern Times.
Next on the agenda was the dinner itself, prepared by the Eagles Auxiliary Ladies. The evening's fare consisted of tossed green salad with the choice of two dressings, a cut of superbly cooked prime rib, twice baked potato, mixed vegetable consisting of carrots and string beans, rolls with butter and cherry cheese cake to top off the spread. Table wines were donated by Sharkey Insurance continuing a tradition of several years.
As the dinner wound down a number of door prizes were drawn for and awarded. Throughout the evening tickets were also drawn for each of the many wine baskets to be given away.
Over the past few years one of this event's high points has been the presentation of a $1,000 cash award to the "Designated Driver of the Year." This year's winner was Steve Hanson who also won a dinner ticket.
This successful program was implemented, nurtured and brought to fruition by the RCTA and it is currently being emulated by various other local tavern associations throughout the state. McOmber has served as ambassador for this program and the success both locally and state-wide is due in a large part to his efforts.
The program continued with the seating at the head table of those whose numbers were selected to participate in the final drawing for the evening's big money. In addition, random drawings were conducted for $50 bills drawn from amongst the tickets sold that evening.
The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Jamie Nordahl who took home a cool $386. The final head table drawing was for the 11th seat which was won by the fellow who had no doubt traveled the farthest distance, MTA president Jupe Compton of Havre.
Once the chairs at the head table were filled all that was left was the elimination of those seated right down to the final three. One by one they fell (Compton being third out) until but three remained.
Third place elimination was drawn and Chris Bury, sitting in for Terry Geurin of IGT, took home $500. Second place honors were won by Sarah and Joe Reynolds and they exited $750 heavier.
The first prize of $1,500 was won by Carol Smith representing Calamity Jane's. Fortunately nobody is a loser at this game as even the first eight to give up their seats receive $150.
With the conclusion of the calcutta raffle the evening's festivities wound down and you could chalk up another successful RCTA dinner.
Contributing greatly to the success is a very hard working fundraising committee and tremendous support from association members and local businesses.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, April, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.