By Cole Boehler
A few years ago the Montana Tavern Association tried combining the traditional Wednesday men's and women's convention luncheons. That lasted one year and it was back to gender distinction.
Apparently, men and women enjoy different types of entertainment. For example, the women's luncheon at Mackinaw's in Somers, about seven miles south of the Kalispell convention site, featured a parody fashion show with styles from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
It would have been hard to imagine a hundred or so stoic male tavern owners gayly dancing with members of the Village People as they performed their rendition of "YMCA." But the women of the MTA had no such reservations.
A theatrical troupe from Libby, the Kootenai Karacters, proved to be quick-change artists as they provided a steady parade of ridiculous stereotypes from previous decades including several incarnations of Elvis (I preferred the "punk hood" 1950s Elvis to the "fat Vegas" 1970s Elvis).
One particularly notable "model" done up with "big hair" in a 1970s screaming aqua polyester pantsuit even had a length of toilet paper streaming from the back of her elastic waistband, much to the hilarious appreciation of the audience.
But the highlight had to be the rendition of the Village People during the finale'. It inspired several in the audience to stuff currency into the belts and waistbands of the (fully clothed) entertainers. Others got to their feet and busted out their best disco moves.
MTA's Tami and Kari Lincoln arranged the luncheon and entertainment. The Kootenai Karacters is a community theatre group and their coordinator, Shanda Jennings, said this performance was the first time a show had been taken on the road.
One might excuse such raucous behavior mid-day, considering several attendees had sampled the offerings of Mackinaw's complete bar (bloody marys seemed to be a favorite) and all had enjoyed generous helpings at the vittle buffet.
The Caesar salad was termed "traditional" and was of romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese and garlic croutons. A spinach salad was also served topped with goat cheese and red onions and finished with a pear vinaigrette.
The entrees were traditional lasagna filled with fresh vegetables, meat and a house marinara, and a vegetarian version. Dessert was a "to-die-for" tiramisu with overtones of kahluha and espresso. Rich but delicious.
The Mackinaw's setting is fantastic. The building sports heavy, exposed log joists and trusses that yield 30-foot arched ceilings. A massive stone fireplace centers the interior while vast windows bring the splendor of Flathead Lake almost to the edge of the wrap-around deck.
Staff and personnel were well attired in matching uniforms and professional in their demeanor and performance.
I believe some of the MTA women would have preferred to spend the rest of the day sampling delectable menu items or concoctions from the bar while lounging on the fabulous deck and soaking up the scenic wonder of the Flathead Lake shore, even as the smoky haze gave the scene a surreal ambiance. And who could blame anyone?
Instead, they dutifully loaded buses and vans and returned to Kalispell in time for the afternoon's convention sessions.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, September, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.