NRA fundraiser banquet big hit in Sanders County
The annual National Rifle Association’s (NRA) fundraiser banquet returned to Sanders County last Tuesday night with an even bigger event.
NRA State Rep. Joe Crismore said he was very excited about this year’s event, and by the number of pre-sold for tickets he expected it to be a packed house.
“We had already sold around 90 tickets before tonight’s event and we expect to hit somewhere between 100 to 120 attendees this year,” said Crismore.
The first hour of the event was, of course, a social hour where guests could mingle and check out the abundance of items up for grabs for the live auction. There were also several raffles on hand where guests could purchase tickets in the hopes of walking away with a fantastic prize.
“We’ve had a lot of great businesses sponsor items for tonight’s event. The Friends of NRA also purchases a number of items that go up for auction as well. There’s really something for everyone,” he added.
There were plenty of local businesses that came on board this year to either donate to the night’s event or sponsor an auction item.
ONE OF the big raffles on the night was the all fun “Wall of Guns,” where attendees could pay $10 for a ticket and should they score the winning ticket, they could choose a gun of their liking as the prize with plenty from which to choose.
One of the night’s big-ticket items was one that any John Wayne fan would love to have and showcase as a great conversation starter to the home. A replica hat as well as a framed memorabilia photo and shell from “The Most Famous Lever Action Rifle,” to which he used in multiple movies was a part of the live action items. The casing was from Rio Lobo (1970) a Winchester Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine.
Amongst the plentiful of raffles and auction items, attendees enjoyed a scrumptious steak dinner and time to relax and have some fun.
“This is my first time attending and has been a fun night so far,” said local Plains business owner Justin Holmes, who attended with friends and family.