By Roger Porter
You would certainly expect the folks from the Butte-Silver Bow Tavern Association to breathe a sigh of relief at the conclusion of their recent dinner conducted October 13 at the Butte Depot.
For this is the same ambitious group of stalwarts who also hosted the state Montana Tavern Association Convention and Trade Show barely a month ago, almost to the day.
Most folks would find putting together these back-to-back events intimidating, however the group nary batted an eye.
The evening began with cocktails from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cocktail hour always serves to relax folks and the time is spent renewing old friendships and forging new ones. This year's event drew a nice crowd, with a large delegation from the Southwest Tavern Association.
The banquet room was decorated with balloons and the lights were turned down low serving to create an intimate atmosphere. The lone bar was located in the anteroom at the back where the buffet dinner would later be spread.
A Texas Hold "Em showdown table was busy throughout the cocktail hour with the winners of each hand entering their names in a square on the big board from which some lucky winner would later be drawn for a free trip to Vegas. Stirring up interest in the game was a comely lass attired as "cat woman." Her lycra costume certainly stirred the interest of many the males present.
In addition to the Vegas trip, tickets were also being sold by wandering gals for a $500 cash drawing and the 11th calcutta raffle seat.
As the cocktail hour wound down the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Chris Fisk, directed those present to the many silent and live auction items displayed along one side and the front of the banquet room.
Next on the agenda was the introduction of special guests which included Montana Sen. Joe Tropila of Great Falls, Sen. Glen Roush of Cut Bank and Rep. John Witt of Fort Benton.
Also introduced were Montana Tavern Association President Jupe Compton, his wife Lora and Burr Lively of Melrose, winner of the 2007 Durkee Award for distinguished service to the MTA. Local favorites, Lively and his wife Connie received a standing ovation from the crowd.
The final item on the pre-dinner agenda was the presentation of the local association's award for distinguished service. This year's honoree was the East-side Athletic Club which has been in existence since 1917. The award was accepted by club President Phil Flannery flanked by three other club members.
In making the presentation, Fisk lauded the club for their support of many local causes over the years.
A very special thanks was accorded to the Butte-Silver Bow Tavern Association Secretary Bobbi Collins, who was introduced by association President Bill Fisher as the "mother of the association."
Following the presentations the call for dinner came and the guests lined up for the buffet style offering' catered and served by the staff of Park Street Pasties. The evening' fare, while not as extensive as some association dinners, made up for it by being "super delicious" right down to the last bite.
Diners filled their plates with a green salad with ranch dressing, pasta salad, rolls and butter, baked potatoes with all the fixin' and sautéed veggies which many piled on their rib-eye steaks. Dessert lovers had their choice of carrot cake or brownies.
As the guests wound through the buffet line the verification of tickets proceeded for the calcutta raffle which was to take place following the dinner. With the verification completed the seating of the first eight calcutta seats began.
Then the drawings took a short recess and the evening's live auction commenced. This year's auction was conducted by Daryll Cogdill, a true pro. The largest classification up for auction this year were framed pictures.
The largest bid of the evening was $800 from Rep. Witt who took home a veritable potpourri of goodies including a small pontoon boat and a mountain bike. It' possible he may become the most popular guy in Fort Benton. Luckily, he had Sen. Tropila' truck at his disposal to cart his treasures home.
Prior to resuming the Calcutta drawings, additional drawings were held for $500 cash which was won by Jim Dick, the Vegas trip which was won by association president Billy Fisher and the 11th seat which was won by Carole Cogdill of Whitehall.
The Calcutta then resumed and the ninth, 10th and 11th seats were filled and the crowd turned to the serious business of giving away the big money.
One by one, seven persons at the head table returned to the audience sadder, but $200 richer for their trouble. The eighth person won $300 and joined their fellow contestants in the audience.
Now it was the time for the moment of truth, actually three moments and the top three sat nervously wondering who would take home the big money. Throughout the elimination, those seated were asked if they wanted to sell their seats to which they answered a collective, no!
Finally, when those occupying the final three seats were offered $1,200 for their seat one of the finalists broke down and took the offer. Then the ninth elimination ball was drawn and Kari Granmo pocketed her $500 and exited stage right.
With only two left seated the moment of truth was close at hand. Whoa, not so fast. There was some hesitation as the two remaining decided whether to call it quits and split the pot, which would have made each $1,700 richer.
As it played out, the pair opted to let the chips fall where they may and they did indeed fall with Lu Thompson of Thompson' Corner taking home $900 and Brian Hands of Joker Wild and Chef' Garden winning the biggie worth $2,500. Brian must have had a flash of intuition when he bought his chair for $1,200.
The conclusion of the Calcutta ended the evening's formal program. Guests then adjourned to the bar, ventured out to one of their favorite pubs or stayed around to enjoy the live music which followed the program.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, Nov., 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.