19th annual Rocky Mountain Elk Banquet a success

Melissa Oyer

Valley Press

The Sanders County chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation entertained a captivated audience Saturday. The 19th annual banquet was held at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains. There were 150 people plus in attendance enjoying the Western buffet dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles and  hoping to win some door prizes.

The dinner, provided by Kootenai Catering, included meatballs, glazed ham, pork ribs, corn, mashed potatoes, an assortment of relishes and salads and bread.

The varsity cheerleaders from Plains High School were refilling drinks for thirsty patrons and clearing their dishes once they were finished eating.

Members of the senior class set up the room on Friday by arranging tables and chairs for the dinner, setting placemats and other table decorations out and cleaning the inside and outside of the building. They also returned on Sunday to clean up after the banquet.

Linda Wilson has been a member of the Foundation for 10 years and has served as chairperson of the Sanders County banquet for the past two years.

"I love this night just because of the appreciation for the outdoors and the preservation of the wildlife that it brings out in people," Wilson said.

The hard economic times did not seem to damper the deepness of people’s pockets. An assortment of goodies was up for auction during both the live and silent ones taking place throughout the night. Handmade blankets, quilts, a wagon filled with children’s outdoor related toys, a weekend at Sex Peak Lookout, two 25th anniversary Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation silver-plated belt buckles, expensive liquor and glasses, hats, bags, and paintings to name a few were just some of the amazing items up for bud.

Something that kept many people’s attention was the 2009 Big Game Winchester Model 70 supergrade .325 short mag rifle. This gun was almost always surrounded by spectators sharing stories about previous experience or stories of hope for future uses.

Dave Oliver, from Thompson Falls, once again served as master of ceremonies for the evening. He delivered messages of meaning throughout the night about specific projects the money collected would be put towards. Some quick-witted jabs could were also directed at long-time Foundation members and friends of the family, so to speak.

Laughter and cheers abounded as raffle numbers were announced and with each winner claiming their prize, Oliver would give instructions, suggestions, or warnings, all which kept the crowd entertained.

Corey Merrick, a four and a half year member from Thompson Falls had his eye on a mirrored hat rack donated by Rocky Mountain Bank. "This is a great way for me to get out and show my appreciation to the foundation for all the work they do," Merrick said.

A one-of-a kind Ma Brown rock painting was the focus of one specific raffle. Patrons could purchase numbered squares throughout the night and a winner would be drawn blindly by a committee member. ________________was the lucky recipient of this painting, graciously donated by the artist.

Greg Wilson has served on the committee for 24 years and was on hand to oversee some of the auction memorabilia. "This is quite an organization," Wilson said. "I’m here for the cause and I do what I can."

All money collected from the banquet goes to the Elk Foundation fund. It then comes back to the state of Montana to be used for special projects.

Placemats on the tables showed the specific projects across the state; things like taking down barbwire and burning land to rebuild habitats.