By any measure, the Mineral County Shooting Sports Association (MCSSA) is best known for its commitment to firearms education, youth shooting sports, and range development. But this winter and spring, the organization is proving that community building can take many forms, including line dancing boots and Bingo daubers.

Beginning Feb. 21, MCSSA will launch a brand-new line dancing series inside its facility, adding a lively social activity to a calendar of community-centered events. The move reflects a growing effort by MCSSA board members to expand the use of the facility beyond shooting sports and to offer more inclusive, fun opportunities for Mineral County residents. 

“We girls wanted to start doing some more things,” said Anndenia Heyer, a MCSSA member. “Now we have seasonal bathrooms installed, the space is more comfortable, and honestly, it’s going to be fun.”

The line dancing classes will be led by Traci Miller and are open to anyone age 16 and older. Sessions will run for two hours and will be held indoors, with a $5 cover charge that goes directly toward supporting the instructor and use of the building. 

Following the lessons, participants can expect open dance time to practice, socialize, or simply cut loose on the dance floor. Pop and water will be available for $1, and the classes are scheduled to continue on the third Saturday of every month, making it an ongoing opportunity for residents to gather during the quieter winter and early spring months. 

Line dancing is just one example of how MCSSA is reimagining its role in a county with limited centralized event promotion. Information about local happenings often travels by word of mouth, Facebook posts, and bulletin boards scattered between Saltese and Alberton. That makes community-driven organizations like MCSSA especially important.

Another popular event returning for its second year is MCSSA’s Bingo Night, an adults-only evening that combines friendly competition, food, and fundraising. While Bingo is not the association’s primary fundraiser, as that honor belongs to its annual dinner in late summer, it became a well-loved social event. 

“This is our second year, and we’re keeping it mostly the same,” Heyer explained. “We’ll have 10 games and 10 prizes.” 

The big change this year is an added incentive for early sign-ups: those who RSVP online through the MCSSA website will be entered into a door prize drawing. In keeping with state regulations, Bingo Night operates under a specific ticket system. Because MCSSA must obtain a state license to host the event, all monetary transactions happen at the door. Attendees purchase an entrance ticket, which is then exchanged for Bingo packets once inside.

For example, a $60 entrance ticket includes three exchange tickets for a single-card Bingo packet, while a $120 entrance ticket provides six exchange tickets for a three-card packet. Participants must be 18 or older due to gambling regulations and alcohol service requirements. Food will be available by donation, with pulled pork generously provided by Superior Meats and coleslaw served alongside it. Proceeds help support facility upkeep and ongoing range projects.

While line dancing and Bingo may seem far removed from MCSSA’s original mission, they align closely with the organization’s broader purpose: strengthening local opportunities and encouraging community participation. The Mineral County Shooting Sports Association exists to generate and manage funds for youth-based shooting sports programs, promote understanding of the educational value of shooting sports, and secure funding for the acquisition and management of a public shooting sports facility in Mineral County.

MCSSA is a proud supporter of the Mineral County 4-H Shooting Sports Program, working closely with 4-H leaders to provide training, equipment, and range access throughout the year. Youth regularly use the facility for archery practice, while other groups, including a cornhole league, Liberty Firearms training courses, and cowboy action shooters, also call the range home. 

They have also scheduled a Muzzleloading Practice Shoot for Saturday, May 2 which will be a fun and informal event for seasoned veterans and curious bystanders. Law enforcement agencies such as the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol periodically use the indoor and outdoor ranges, and April will mark the grand opening of a new 1,000-yard outdoor range, which is a significant milestone for the county.

Still, Heyer emphasizes that the future of the facility depends on people showing up, not just to shoot, but to participate. 

“We are trying real hard to offer things for the community to participate in and to help raise money for upkeep and ongoing projects,” she said. “We sure could use more people who want to be involved, who have ideas, and who want to help make the range a place people want to come and enjoy.”

With Mineral County’s population growing from 4,535 in the 2020 Census to an estimated 5,315 residents today by World Population Review, many newcomers may not yet realize how much volunteer time goes into creating local events. From youth programs to Bingo nights and now line dancing, MCSSA is betting that a little music, a few prizes, and a welcoming atmosphere can go a long way toward bringing neighbors together. 

For more information, event schedules, or to RSVP for Bingo night, visit mineralshootingsports.com.