COEUR d'ALENE - The Cowboy Ball was big back in the late '80s and early '90s.

The country western music gave everyone a chance to kick up their boots, tip their cowboy hats and swing around the dance floor.

For a few years, it was one of the area's top events and attracted a strong following, before falling quiet.

Guess what?

It's back.

And yes, it's bigger and better than ever.

"I can't believe how excited people are that it's coming back," said Barb Renner, organizer and former North Idaho Fair manager.

The Cowboy Ball is being presented April 6 by the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. It's featuring the Kelly Hughes Band, with food, beer and wine available. There will be a best Western-dressed contest, auction and dance lessons from 5:30-6:45 p.m.

If you want to go, hurry. About 450 tickets have been sold, with only 50 of the $20 tickets remaining through the fair office, Caruso's Sandwich Company, 202 W. Ironwood and the Painted Pony in the Plaza Shops.

"It's been a tremendous success," she said.

So much, that it's offering five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Kootenai County, funded through its top five sponsors.

The idea to bring back the ball came about when Renner agreed last year to coordinate the foundation's fundraiser.

She was visiting with Kelly Hughes about ideas and he asked a question that caught Renner's attention: "Have you ever thought of doing the Cowboy Ball again?"

Renner liked the idea. She checked in with Jerry and Robin Bass, owners of the since closed Bass Western Wear that used to put it on, and they were on board, too.

They also moved it from fall to spring.

"It was a coordinated effort," said Renner, who also served six years on the foundation board.

Funds go toward capital improvement projects at the fairgrounds, or for educational opportunities.

"It's kind of the mission of the fair foundation," she said.

Renner is thrilled with the response to the Cowboy Ball, and is especially excited about the scholarships, too.

Not bad for coming out of her retirement to pull things together, she said.

"It makes me feel ecstatic," she said.

Students can find scholarship applications at www.northidahofair.com

Info: 772-5471, www.cdacowboyball.com