PRIEST RIVER — As part of a community fundraising initiative to support local schools, Priest River will host “A Knight with a Princess” on Saturday — a dance at the Priest River Junior High gymnasium. 

Knights (18 or older) are invited to bring princesses (pre-K–sixth grade) to the 6–8 p.m. event, where they’ll find the gym transformed into a castle courtyard. 

Organizer Hailey Scott was inspired to launch the dance in an effort to help address budget shortages in West Bonner County School District. 

“My sisters and I love throwing a good party,” Scott said. “We kind of kicked around the idea of a daddy-daughter dance, but then we also thought about how not every family looks exactly the same, so that's where we came up with ‘A Knight with a Princess.’” 

The event is slated to include a live DJ set, princess-themed treats made by community members and a shop selling tiaras, necklaces, rings and wands to benefit core programs in the school district.

“We're hoping to be able to make a pretty good donation to the Innovia fund so that the district can use that money as needed,” said Scott. 

While the dance aims to raise money, its role as a community event is equally important. 

“On Saturday, we're just going to have fun. That's what the plan is,” Scott said. “We're just really hoping to enjoy an evening, and let the kids know that they're thought about and loved and cared about.” 

Tickets can be purchased by following a link on an Oct. 28 West Bonner County School District Facebook post or at the door. 

So far, West Bonner’s fundraising initiative has reached a total of $85,955 thanks in part to a booth at Priest River’s Timber Days, a cornhole tournament and spaghetti feed at Popeyes in Priest River and a pair of events hosted by the Benedict and Dunn families. 

To donate to the fund, visit goinnovia.org/wbcsdfund.