Always one of the state's "must attend" charity events is the Yellowstone County Tavern Association annual dinner.
The Yellowstone folks are the pioneers in affairs of this sort, and 2007 marked the 35th annual dinner which was conducted May 8.
The Billings Hotel and Convention Center was the host site for the soiree which began at 6 p.m. with the traditional cocktail hour. While enjoying a libation and renewing old friendships guests could browse the silent auction display and bid on their favorite items from amongst the vast array of goodies awaiting the highest bidder.
Word was the auction comprised $19,000 in merchandise including tools, outdoor recreational items, a flat screen TV and other offerings too numerous to mention. The silent auction items were displayed in a horseshoe configuration making it easy for the bidders and the curious alike to shop.
Where most dinners feature a single master of ceremonies, the Billings group goes four better with four of the local movers and shakers sharing the emcee honors. Fulfilling the master of ceremony roles this year were Marlon Enberg (association president), Rick Kemmis, Mac Mickey and Cam Schieno.
As the formal program got under way Kemmis welcomed the crowd and proceeded to introduce the past presidents of the Montana Tavern Association who were present for the gathering. In addition, local dignitaries who were in the audience were also introduced.
interspersed throughout the evening were a number of drawings for $100 bills.
Guests were admonished to pay attention to the time as the silent auction would definitely close at 8:15 sharp which motivated bidders to go and review their bids to insure they were on top.
Dinner was next on the agenda and the crowd was divided and called in order to move to the buffet tables set up on the room's perimeter. The evening's menu consisted of a potpourri of delightful offerings led by chef carved prime rib complete with the choice of horseradish or au jus, plus Boursin chicken, chipotle pork loin, parsley potatoes, wild rice, pasta salad, tossed salad w/house dressing, vegetable salad, fresh fruit salad, vegetable medley and assorted breads.
For an imperial finish, diners could visit the dessert bar which featured a variety of delectables. Each table was also graced with two bottles of dinner wine courtesy of intermountain and Briggs Distributing.
This year's function attracted a large crowd with a good sized contingent of out of town guests.
Throughout the evening YCTA members wound through the crowd selling tickets for the eleventh calcutta-raffle seat.
Seating at the head table for the raffle was begun and guests cheered their favorites as each bloc of 10 numbers were drawn and the seat winner drawn from that smaller pool. One by one the chairs filled up until 10 were filled and the eleventh seat was drawn and occupied by Theresa Mickey of Mickey'.
Next began the elimination and those whose numbers were called left the head table a little depressed but $150 richer.
With the first eight seats eliminated the remaining three were on pins and needles hoping to take be the one to take home the "big one"--$2,500 cash. However they were also mindful that second prize of $1,750 or third of $1,250 wouldn't be too bad.
So, minus a drum roll, the third place ball was drawn and Rick Steinmetz of the Powderhorn left the head table $1,250 heavier. Now for the moment of truth and as the second place ball was passed to Kemmis. Epcon Sign, represented by Katie Fromden, pocketed the $1,750 second prize so that left Theresa Mickey the big winner with a check for $2,500--a pretty good evening's work.
The YCTA is proud of their contributions to their community over the years. Currently the association is involved in the following projects, just to name a few: tavern taxi program, save-a-life program, MSU-B meth conference, major sponsor Fourth of July fireworks, women' shelter and the MS walk.
The association is now in the process of joining in the war on meth and a major contribution is in the works.
It was a great evening and for some the fun had just begun.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, June 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.