The wind let up and the sun came out just as guests at the 34th annual Cowboy Ball began arriving at 5:30 p.m. April 17. Dressed for the occasion, men busted out their good hats and boots, while the women wore turquoise, silver and beaded jewelry.

The Cowboy Ball is Polson Fairground Incorporated’s only fundraiser, and generous rodeo supporters and businesses donate items for the silent and live auctions. A wagon, photographs, paintings, a fireplace, carved wooden pieces, jewelry, a sheepskin coat, handbags, and lots of cowboy-related items were there to tempt buyers.

Attendees could buy chances on a gun raffle or the “booze wagon” full of bottles of liquor or could bid on one of 10 jackets, each with a number. Jacket winners placed their numbers in a hat, and the owner of the last number drawn from the Resistol won a pistol (the rest received bottles of Pendelton whiskey).

During the 5:30 cocktail hour, the Perfect Shot crew was on hand to mix up margaritas and other drinks, pour wine, and sell cold beer as the crowd mixed and mingled and picked out a table or visited the photo booth, the silent auction tables, or the lineup of live auction treasures.

Emcee Brian Miskimins moved the party along, drawing door prizes and mentioning silent auction items and raffles. Dinner was served at 6:30, and featured smoked prime rib by Little Montana Catering, while the Hi-Line Deli in Ronan catered the rest of the meal, with cake from Pablo IGA. 

Auctioneer Bo Carpenter stepped up to the mic at 7:30 p.m. for the live action and Western Front sent dancers to the floor with country music.

“People seemed to enjoy the Cowboy Ball,” said Una Rose Graham, secretary of PFI, adding that she received many compliments on the food and the music.

The main project PFI is concentrating on for 2026 is adding a roof and underground power for the Flathead River Amphitheater located by the river. The space already has a professional stage measuring 40-by-60 feet, constructed in 2017. Jason Delaney is the engineer/architect, and Hu Beaver is the contractor; both are from Polson.

“With this permanent, we’re looking forward to bringing more musical events of all kinds and sizes to this community,” Graham said.

She added that PFI is grateful for the Lake County Commissioners’ support of the project.

The fairgrounds’ bill for annual general maintenance and upkeep is usually in the $15,000 to $20,000 range and this year’s projects include replacing all the wooden corrals at the rodeo arena with metal panels this year. PFI also spends from $10,000 to $15,000 on improvements to the property and buildings.

The Cowboy Ball also helps support the next big event coming PFI’s way — the Mission Valley NRA Rodeo on June 26 and 27.

    Todd Bailey and his sidekick, Ringo, show off the wagon Bailey built as an auction item for the Cowboy Ball. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)