COEUR d'ALENE - It's not too late to make it to the Cowboy Ball.

Tickets are still on sale for the event that takes place Friday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

In its second year, the ball is a fundraiser for the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation.

"We're going to have a dance contest," said Louise Bershers, a member of the ball's decorating committee, and a fair volunteer since 1982.

There will be line dance lessons, silent and live auctions, dancing to the Kelly Hughes Band and dinner provided by the Texas Roadhouse and Super 1 Foods.

There will be a best western dressed contest also.

Kristi Blaver, the foundation board's executive director, said the proceeds will fund capital improvements at the fairgrounds, youth programs and scholarships.

"We're going to be painting all of the buildings a nice, brick red," Blaver said. "Some of the money will go toward that."

Last year, the funds were used to heat the fairgrounds' Jacklin Building, so it can be used year-round.

"We also provide five $1,000 scholarships to local students," Bershers said.

Bershers was busy Wednesday getting the Jacklin Building ready for the ball, hanging hand-painted murals on the walls.

The paintings were donated by local artists, including Pat Chadwick, owner of Art and Home Center in Coeur d'Alene.

Chadwick's piece shows a street scene in an old western town.

The other mural was done by North Idaho College student Katie Delaney, 18. Delaney's work is a landscape, showing a wheat field.

Doors open at the fairgrounds at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the fairgrounds.

Info: www.cdacowboyball.com