Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee — a possible presidential contender — will visit Kalispell as the keynote speaker for Stillwater Christian School’s annual fundraising banquet March 19.

“For Such A Time As This, an Evening with Mike Huckabee” will be at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.

“He may throw his hat in the ring for president in 2016 and between now and the event we might be hosting a presidential candidate,” event organizer Craig Hunnicutt said.

The evening will consist of a private reception followed by the banquet and Huckabee’s keynote speech. Hunnicutt expects the event to conclude around 9 p.m.

Books authored by Huckabee, including his latest, “Gods, Guns, Grits and Gravy,” will be available for sale at the fundraiser. 

Individual tickets are $125 each. 

VIP sponsorship tables are available for $800, $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. Each sponsorship table comes with eight event tickets. Different sponsorship levels may include amenities such as priority table placement, private reception tickets, copies of “Gods, Guns, Grits and Gravy” and recognition at the event.

Hunnicutt said between 1,000 and 1,300 people each year have attended past Stillwater Christian events.

Stillwater has brought notable speakers to the Flathead for seven years, ranging from Tim Tebow in 2012 to last year’s keynote speaker, neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson. 

Huckabee served as governor from 1996 until 2007 and was named one of America’s top five governors by Time magazine in 2005. 

Huckabee also served as the lieutenant governor of Arkansas from 1993 to 1996. He campaigned unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President in the 2008 election. Huckabee recently said farewell as host of a Fox News talk show to contemplate a Republican bid for president in 2016.

Huckabee is also noted as a musician and New York Times best-selling author.

“We’re always looking for those speakers who share the conservative values and the Christian world view that represents the school,” Hunnicutt said. “Huckabee is a nationally prominent speaker for traditional American values.”

Hunnicutt said Stillwater appreciates the community support and looks forward to sharing another evening together.

“We’re glad to bring this opportunity to the Flathead Valley,” Hunnicutt said.

For more information or to purchase tickets or reserve sponsorship tables, visit www.stillwaterchristianschool.org, call 752-4400 or email [email protected].

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].