Popular charitable event celebrates best year yet
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 hour, 30 minutes AGO
Moontime's Andrew Franklin, left, and Lark Patton serve up fun at the 2026 Bartender's Ball. This year's event raised about $13,000 for Shoshone Pet Rescue.
Courtesy photo
More than $13,000 was raised Feb. 28 at the sold-out 2026 Bartender's Ball at the Coeur d'Alene Casino.
"This was the best year yet," Bartender's Ball organizer Holly Hansen told The Press.
The funds raised will support Shoshone Pet Rescue, a Silver Valley nonprofit that promotes the welfare of companion animals in the community, reduces pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs, provides education and resources to prevent abandonment and neglect, and offers shelter and care until they find homes forever. The nearly 350 Bartender's Ball attendees also donated 600 pounds of pet food.
The unique tasting event featured 13 participating bars and six restaurants and catering partners, each showcasing their best craft cocktails and culinary creations. Guests sampled their way through the evening before casting votes for their favorites in both People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice categories.
Silver Corner Bar of Wallace took home the coveted Bartender’s Ball Shaker Trophy with the standout cocktail, “Purple Reign,” which swept the competition.
Drink competition results
First place, Judges’ Choice: Silver Corner Bar, Purple Reign
Second place: Crafted Tap House + Kitchen
Third place: Satay Bistro
First place, People’s Choice: Silver Corner Bar, Purple Reign
Second place: The Bee’s Knees Whiskey Bar
Third place: Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Food competition results
First place, Judges’ Choice: Harvest Moon Restaurant, smoked brisket poutine
Second place: Las Brasas Mexican Grill
Third: Coeur d'Alene Casino
First place, People’s Choice: Coeur d'Alene Casino, very un-birthday cupcake
Second: Harvest Moon Restaurant
Third place: Las Brasas Mexican Grill