Sunshine and blue skies welcomed guests to the 33rd Annual Cowboy Ball at the Polson Fairgrounds on April 25. Evening dress was boots, hats, and lots of turquoise.

The festivities began at 5 p.m. for a social hour and time to bid on silent auction items, visit with friends, and enjoy a cocktail or a beer at the no-host bar brought to the Cowboy Ball by the Perfect Shot Tavern.

As always, the Cowboy Ball crew remembers those we’ve lost over the last year — Toni Burton, Pat Binger, Bob Gauthier, Charlie Hahn, and Rod Johnson.

Emcee Brian Miskimins, Anderson Broadcasting personality, kept events moving and had all 560 people take a seat at the 70 tables laid for dinner at 6:30, a sumptuous feast of smoked prime rib, smoked by Little Montana, and all the trimmings, catered by Hi-Line General Store and Deli.

Clad in their purple and gold jerseys, members of the Polson Pirates football team cleared tables for the guests and had a ball doing it.

Live auction items were also on display, and many diners checked out the goods before or after dinner. The auction began at 7:30 with cowboy auctioneer Bo Carpenter at the mic, making bidding fun. There was something for everyone from a week’s Hawaiian vacation to a fancy lawnmower and handmade furniture.

Attendees could also purchase raffle tickets for a shotgun and chances to win a wheelbarrow full of booze. Wine drinkers could buy a wine glass and get their name in the hat to be the winner of Shania Twain concert tickets and a night’s stay in Missoula.

Polson Fairgrounds Inc. also sold 10 PFI vests, and the 10 high bidders came to the stage. The game is unusual in that the contestants were numbered one to 10, and if their number was called, they were out, but with the consolation prize of a fifth of Pendleton whiskey and, of course, the vest. The last number standing won a Kimber pistol 45th Anniversary .45, and that number belonged to Stephanie Gillin.

After dinner, the fun games and raffles, and the live auction, Sho_Down started playing good country music great for dancing or listening. Guests danced the night away under the big-top tent enjoying every second

The Cowboy Ball is PFI’s fundraiser for the year, and the proceeds will go to putting a roof on the pavilion down by the river as well as maintenance and improvements to the fairgrounds and rodeo arena.

According to Tommy and Jodi Lynn Seifert, president and secretary of PFI, “We were very excited about the weather and changes we made for the year. There are always a few hiccups, but we hope everyone enjoyed the evening. We always appreciate the support.”

    This was Mayson's first Cowboy Ball, but she brought her cow and wore her jeans. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)