Cowboy Ball raises $78,000

The North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Foundation’s annual Cowboy Ball raised a record $78,000 for scholarships April 18.

The evening brought together community leaders, longtime supporters, and new friends of the Fairgrounds for a night centered on purpose — supporting youth, preserving agricultural traditions, and investing in the future of North Idaho. 

“This night is about so much more than a fundraiser — it’s about people coming together to support something bigger than themselves,” said Serena Caples, development director.

The Foundation awarded $23,000 in scholarships to 16 outstanding students, empowering the next generation as they pursue higher education and career goals rooted in agriculture, leadership, and community service, a press release said.

From heartfelt moments to high-energy bidding, the Cowboy Ball continues to serve as a cornerstone event — one that not only celebrates the spirit of the West but also reinforces the Fairgrounds’ role as a place where North Idaho gathers, the release said.

“The impact we’re able to make through scholarships and facility improvements is only possible because of this incredible community," Caples said.

Sponsors included Stegmann Farms, Knudtsen Auto Group, and Kootenai/Shoshone Farm Bureau.