Well over 100 animal lovers gathered this weekend to have some fun and support a great cause as Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS) conducted its fifth annual fundraiser. The “Pretty Darn Good” Variety Show last Saturday and Sunday was the third of its kind for TRACS.

“I look forward to it every year,” TRACS co-founder Wanda Thorpe said. “I have to work the event, but it’s still very enjoyable.”

The event was held in the banquet room of the Lakeside Motel in Trout Creek. Although this year’s theme was United Service Organizations (USO), it was been Wild, Wild West and the Roaring ‘20’s in the past.

The most notable change from previous fundraisers was that this year’s event was split into two days. According to Thorpe, the decision was made because last year’s event was so popular that the banquet room was full to near capacity. Thorpe also felt it would a good way to allow more people to enjoy the show, and support TRACS.

Attendees on Saturday enjoyed the usual venue for the event while snacking on cheese, crackers, popcorn and chips and salsa while Sunday’s matinee goers enjoyed coffee, cakes and brunch snacks.

The program included more than two dozen local entertainers from Trout Creek and Thompson Falls who graced the stage with their charitable talent. The most popular acts included “The Lucies” a skit imitating Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, A bluegrass band called the “Knapweeds,” a solo act by Jan Manning, a tap dance number by 72 year old Donna Curry and Dave Oliver’s Louie Armstrong song and Steve Martin act.

Oliver and Howard Bakke shared emcee duties for the evening.

Although Thorpe didn’t have a final figure for the total amount of money raised, she said the gross income was higher than it has been in years.

An auction and raffle helped TRACS raise money. Auction items included: a ski package to Schweitzer including lift tickets and a hotel stay, gas cards, local artistry, and a variety of basket items. Two raffle items, a Browning A500 Ducks Unlimited 12 ga. Shotgun, and a “Huckleberry Dream” quilt by Rusti Levistad, will be awarded at a later date as the raffle is still being ongoing.

Thorpe says planning for the event is nearly year round and TRACS members are already planning on holding a meeting to discuss potential changes to next year’s format. Thorpe

beleives they will keep two shows for next year, but the timing may be changed to avoid a showing on Sunday.