CSTA 'puts on the dog' at Red Lodge Event
Report and Pictures
By Christina Bochy
As I was driving from Billings to Red Lodge to cover the
Carbon/Stillwater County Tavern Association Charity Dinner for the
Montana Tavern Times, I was fairly nervous about this new undertaking.
Editor and publisher Cole Boehler had asked me to substitute for him
since the dinner was scheduled the very night of his news deadline.
I had called ahead the day before and spoke with Larry Checketts,
owner of the Bull ‘N Bear where the CSTA dinner was hosted this year,
and Leta McGann, Secretary of the CSTA, to obtain some preliminary
information about the dinner so I wasn’t walking in totally uninformed.
They were so gracious and helpful even though they were extremely busy
with last minute preparations.
To push away the nerves, I focused on the beauty of the scenery on my
drive. It’s amazing that just a couple miles past Laurel (I live in
Billings), you begin to see the “real” Montana. The city fades in your
rear view mirror and the dramatic country landscape becomes
mesmerizing.
Just the day before, the temperature was in the
mid-80’s and we had the air conditioning going. Now, as I drove
southwest, it was getting colder and the flurries were starting. Good
thing I was staying overnight at the Pollard Hotel because the weather
gurus were calling for a foot of snow! We got that foot!
I got
to town early so that I could go to the Bull ‘N Bear to take some
pictures before the crowd showed up, and to introduce myself to Larry
and Lucy Checketts. I walked up the stairs and into the dining room
and was amazed at how spacious it is. It was decorated beautifully
in a western theme. The tables were all set with silverware, water
glasses holding red and blue cloth napkins, and a mirror in the center
on which they set the condiments. Also adorning tables were a western
style rope, a sheriff’s star and a couple of “airplane” sized bottles
of spirits. There were also bottles of red and white wine on the
tables provided by Intermountain Distributing and Briggs Distributing.
The head table was adorned with a large welcome sign from the CSTA and
very nicely arranged liquor baskets which were to be raffled off
throughout the evening.
The silent auction items were so
numerous it’s impossible to list them here, but all were definitely
worth bidding on. From my perspective, the most interesting item was
the “old-time” fat-tire bicycle donated by Briggs Distributing.
Other items included jewelry from Montana Silversmiths, several clocks
from the CSTA and Real Deals Home Décor, a Tom Wolfe signed print from
Silver Run Fine Art Studio, and a chocolate fountain and kitchen
platter from the Bull N’ Bear Saloon. Many valuable gift certificates
were also among the popular items.
Since it was still early, I
decided to have a seat at the bar and just observe for awhile. I
noticed many people had taken advantage of the western theme of the
party by dressing the part, but then I realized that we are actually in
the west and this is probably how they always dress.
Everyone appeared so fashionable and attractive. Lots of cowboy hats, Wrangler’s, cowboy boots and vests.
As I sat there sipping my beer, people just started coming up to me to
talk. What a friendly, welcoming group, including CSTA secretary
McGann. It was very nice to meet her in person.
Other folks I
met were Kathy Thomas from CCC Wine and Spirits. She was running
around like a crazy person selling raffle tickets for the liquor
baskets and 50/50 tickets. I bet she was exhausted by the end of the
night!
Rocky Roberts, the President of the CSTA and owner of the Blue Ribbon Bar in Red Lodge, stopped by to introduce himself.
As the clock hit 6:30 p.m., attendees were encouraged to make their
way to the “big room” to get the festivities started. At the top of
the stairs there was a poker table set up. Those who tried their luck
and came up with a winning a hand of poker were awarded a Calcutta
ticket.
In addition, members of the CSTA were selling
“passports” for $5. The idea behind this fun event is for participants
to visit all CSTA establishments between February 1 and Labor Day 2009,
getting their passports stamped at each stop.
There are three
prizes for the completed passports drawn on the second Tuesday in
September: First Prize is a 42-inch flat-screen HD TV; second is a Wii
game console and third is a $200 gift certificate to Chico Hot Springs.
Golf enthusiasts had the opportunity to sign up for the
Four-Man Half Blind Draw Annual Golf Tournament. The date and course
are to be determined, but those interested can call and sign up.
Before the ladies could move into the event room Cindy Hanson adorned
them with colorful carnations provided by "Mike the Flower Man," a
perrenial fixture at this event.
Attendees were treated to a
genuine sit-down meal that was served at our tables which meant no
waiting in line at a buffet. Delicious prime rib and shrimp scampi
were the fare for the evening including garden salad, baked potatoes
and Italian green beans which were all delectable.
As if that
wasn’t enough to satisfy, each person received a “baby cheesecake”
topped with the sweet drizzle of your choice. No need to share when
you had your very own cheesecake!
As dinner was being served,
Jimmy Howard, the co-emcee along with Roberts, welcomed everyone and
expressed his appreciation to all of those who helped organize the
dinner and those who donated. He introduced the officers of the local
chapter: President Roberts, Vice President Bill Asbury, Secretary
McGann and Treasurer Dorothy Holbrook.
Much appreciation also
went to those who chaired the event committee: Lindy Stevens, Katrina
Stevens, McGann and Holly Lucaro. They all did a fabulous job.
The Calcutta raffle was started while diners were finishing their
cheesecakes and the room was full of energy and anticipation.
Attendees were tempted by emcee Howard to make bids to buy a seat. The
process was a whirlwind of confusion to this novice as I witnessed the
calling out of names, the bidding, the crowd members buying seats, the
eliminations and lastly the final three sitting at the head table.
During this whole progression of events, tickets were drawn for the
liquor baskets. There was never a dull moment during the entire
program!
The lucky winners of the Calcutta raffle were: first
place, $1,500, Lisa Hudak of Mountain Excavating; second place, $1,000,
Keven Bentz of Fleetwood Gaming and third place, $750, Stephanie
Buckstead of Bone Daddy’s.
While the CSTA dinner event is all
about fun and socializing, one thing definitely needs to be added to
this story, and that is the many charities that benefit from such
events: the local fire departments, Shriner Children’s Hospital, Red
Lodge Rodeo Association, Santa and His Elves Cruise for Seniors, Park
City Toys for Tots, Stillwater County Christmas Fund and the Carbon
County Foster Children’s Fund
Also supported are Al Bedoo
Shrine Transportation Fund, Ron Osmond Medical Fund, Chrissy Walker
Memorial Fund, Shirley Neill Medical Fund, the Bridger Food Bank,
Travis Schwend Memorial Scholarship Fund, and many other individuals in
crisis.
While I was nervous on my way to this event, it only
took about five minutes to realize that I had no reason to be. The
people of Red Lodge and the CSTA were more generous, kind, and
welcoming than I could have imagined and I had a wonderful time and met
so many interesting and remarkable people.
I arrived at the
CSTA dinner a stranger, but I left with many new friends and
acquaintances and a reminder of why I am glad to be a part of this
industry.
Source: The
Montana Tavern Times, May 2009, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W Granite, Suite 102, Butte MT. 59701