Gallatin dinner had big turnout
By Cole Boehler
Montana weather is fickle, that's for sure.
When we headed to the Cascade County Tavern Association dinner in early December we braved sub-zero temperatures, but as we drove east to the Gallatin County TA dinner Jan. 19, the skies were fair and the temperature was a balmy 44 degrees. Go figure!
Nor were the roads slippery and the lone Highway Patrolman didn't even tap his brakes as we met with me driving with the cruise control set at a steady 80 miles per hour.
I stopped first at Bozeman's Roughstock Distillery, a new micro whisky maker on the town's east edge, where the proprietor kindly furnished a small sample of delicious barley distillate, setting the tone for an evening of fun, food, good company and plenty of adult beverage.
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| Sam Ferraro, left, brother of banquet emcee Ralph Ferraro, center, and Sam’s wife, Marsha, won the top Calcutta prize of $2,000
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But the real party was slated to begin at 6 p.m. at the GranTree Inn just off the 7th Avenue and I-90 interchange. I had a little extra time so stopped in the pub and promptly ran into Sharyn and Harry Klock, just in from Harlowton. After a brief political primer from Harry, we got to chat with the LaFevers from Billings and the LaFevers from West Yellowstone.
Then in came spirits rep Del Rupert and soon Jim and Barb Grubbs from Billings, followed by Tanya Harper, Stephanie Illingsworth and Tippy Burtch clear from Cut Bank. Mark Staples and Bob Anderson, representing the Montana Tavern Association, were down from Helena.
Janet Prescott and spouse came over the pass from Livingston. Tex and Heidi Irwin left the West Fork of the Bitterroot and skirted about four mountain ranges to be there. John Hayes was there to represent the Cascade County brethren and sisteren. (We did notice the absence of any of the Timber Bar family from Big Timber including matriarch Joann Fuller, but for her to miss one of these, there must have been a good reason).
In short, folks came from far and wide, from the plains and hills and mountains and valleys that lie in the four directions to be in Bozeman that night. It appeared that almost 250 tickets were sold and that many tickets meant a couple was in attendance.
As the GranTree tavern began to fill, word was passed that the free bars in the mezzanine were open and tables of hors d'oeuvres were spread, so that space filled rapidly. Before long it was almost shoulder-to-shoulder, and as drinks were consumed the conversation grew louder and louder.
The louder the room became, the louder everyone talked to be heard over the rising din, prompting this writer and MTA's Anderson to discuss our hearing loss problems combined with background noise leading to a general incomprehension. Getting old ain't fun, eh Bob?
So it was with some relief word came that the banquet room was open.
Gallatin stalwart Ralph Ferraro, who has a license, just no bar, once more emceed the event, again along with vital assistance from his daughter, Angela. It was noted Ferraro was about to have his annual 39th birthday, which was coming up in just a few days.
Bread, vegetables, beef and salmon were on the menu. White and red wine was on the tables as were a handful of mini spirits samples of varying flavors.
One thing the Gallatin group is noted for is a live auction with some very attractive listings. What do you like? A fly fishing extravaganza? A VIP package for a NASCAR event? Big flat-screen TVs? They had 'em.
Jackie LaFever paid $600 for a $1,500 TV, Bob Boie got the Troutfitters trip valued at $1,100 for just $900, Jason Grubbs scored the LeMans Series Grand Prix VIP package for just $500 when it was said to be worth $800 and so on.
There was also a brown bag auction where just one of the bags contains a cool $1,000 in cash. The winner, Mark Coor, paid just $1,000 for it and a 40-inch TV valued at $2,500. Everyone was a winner, whether they left with merchandise or just had a lot of fun watching the doings.
Of course, the big calcutta drawing attracted the most attention. Eight of eleven contestants drawn would win $200 each, and the rest would win $500, $800 or $2,000.
Custom jeweler Sam Ferraro, brother to the emcee, was the first one drawn, followed by J & V Restaurant Supply, Bar 9, Dave Jarett Insurance, Plonk, Harrington Pepsi, Bozeman TV & Appliance, Grizzly Refrigeration, Squire Lounge, Stockman Bank and Bozeman Bank.
The elimination phase commenced and concluded with speed, leaving Sam Ferraro, the Squire Lounge and Plonk in contention. The $500 went to Plonk, while the Squire grabbed $800 and S. Ferraro walked away delightedly with the $2,000.
As the banquet room emptied, the tavern seemed to fill just as fast. We peeked in, then thought better of it as we needed to head about 85 miles west over a couple of passes and through deery valley bottoms. Best be in sharp shape for that kind of drive. And just 80 minutes later I hit the button for the garage door opener and five minutes after that laid my weary head on my pillow.
Just 365 days or so until we get to do this again in Bozeman.