There was plenty of food, fellowship, laughter and lively bidding at the Mineral County Shooting Sports Association’s annual banquet, but underneath all the activity was a mission that means even more to the organization which is getting the local kids involved in shooting sports.

Held at 475 Cougar Creek Way near the Lozeau/Quartz Exit from I-90, the annual gathering has become the biggest event on the MCSSA calendar and its major fundraiser. The money raised helps the association provide opportunities for local youth to learn and participate in shooting sports in a safe, responsible and encouraging environment.

Association President Kevin Donally and Vice President Shawn Heyer kept the beverages flowing as barkeeps, serving beer, wine and soft drinks, while complimentary pretzels helped keep those waiting in line satisfied.

Michelle Milender Stump served as Master of Ceremonies for the 12th time since the event came under the MCSSA, along with several years before that when it was held as The Friends of the NRA banquet. 

“We have a good core group that attends every year,” she said. “And as the community of the county changes, the crew that attends is changing also, but everyone is here for the same thing. Gun rights, the 2nd Amendment and having a place to shoot. Also, MCSSA is a huge 4-H sponsor. And that’s our main purpose, is to make someplace good for the kids to shoot.” 

That commitment to young people is a major part of what MCSSA does throughout the year. The association is proud to support the Mineral County 4-H Shooting Sports Program, providing safe, educational opportunities for youth to learn marksmanship, firearm safety, responsibility and confidence. MCSSA board members work closely with 4-H leaders to provide training, equipment and range access for local youth. For the association, the banquet isn't simply a night of food and fundraising as it helps make those youth opportunities possible.

Sheriff-elect Ben Banks and his wife, Jelena, were attending the banquet for the first time, and both were excited by what the association provides for the community. 

“We’ve been so impressed with the organization and what they do for youth,” Jelena said. “Our two girls are going to be using this facility as they are older. This is just the perfect organization for the 2nd Amendment and teaching the safety and logistics of shooting. It’s exciting to be here and see so many like-minded people.” 

Jelena, who owns The Moxie in St. Regis, has donated to the organization in the past, but was especially happy to attend the banquet this year. 

“I’m a very avid shooter and believe in this organization and I want to see our community enjoy the shooting sports, especially for youth,” Ben said. The Banks family is particularly interested in the opportunities their daughters will have in air rifles and archery as they get older.

While the association's youth mission is serious business, there was certainly no shortage of fun at the banquet. Superior Meats owner, Jerry Stroot, was busy carving slabs of prime rib while stuffed pork loin had already been sliced and prepared for the dinner plates. The rest of the crew served up side dishes, rolls and desserts. Eileen Larossi was one of the waitstaff and mentioned that she will be retiring from the U.S. Air Force next month. Stroot quickly joked that he planned to train her to become a meat processor. “Colonel Cutter,” he said with a grin.

Association Secretary David Brink said changing the date of this year’s banquet was a big move for the organization. 

“We went from October to the end of August and we’re considering a move, sometime in the future, to May,” Brink said. “We’ve had requests from people who would like to attend the banquet who are not here during the times we’ve been holding it. We’re weighing the options to see how things go at this point.” 

The popularity of the banquet has also created a good problem to have, which is figuring out where to put everybody. 

“We’ve served food here in the past under the canopy,” Brink said. “But by moving the silent auction and bucket raffles outside under that large party tent, we’ve freed up space inside the facility.”

Maureen Sample, MCSSA treasurer and co-chair of the event with Shelia Rigby, said they were nearly at capacity. 

“We had 143 tickets sold and we’re just about packed, but by moving many things outside, we have much more room to mingle and walk around, so this is working out well,” she said with a smile. 

Tracy Miller and Rhonda Gieber were among the many volunteers who helped make the evening possible, she shared. 

“All of our games are brand new and we’ve got great donations,” Sample said. “We’ve had people call us that wanted to donate. It’s been great.”

The evening eventually turned its attention to the live auction, where Gordon Hendricks, Dan and Tamara Clemts were seated close to the stage so they wouldn’t be missed when auctioneer Kevin Hill got the bidding underway. Firearms remained one of the biggest draws, but the crowd enthusiastically bid on a wide variety of exceptional items donated by area sponsors and supporters.

Tracy Phillips has handled the firearm transactions for many years, but this was his final year doing so. His business, White Mountain Guns, will not be renewing its Federal Firearms License. 

“But this gives us a year to find a new FFL dealer, so everything is A-OK,” Phillips said with a smile.

From the dinner table to the auction block, the evening demonstrated just how much community support exists for MCSSA. And while the banquet is certainly an opportunity for adults to gather, enjoy a good meal and support their Second Amendment rights, the organization hopes everyone remembers what all that support ultimately helps accomplish. It gives Mineral County kids a safe place to learn shooting sports, develop confidence and responsibility, and discover a sport they can enjoy for years to come.

    The silent auction was moved outside to the 100-yard shooting range to give more room inside for dining. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    The serving line under the shooting canopy of the 100-yard range worked well moving the crowd through quickly. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Kevin Donally and Shawn Heyer handled the adult beverages and soft drinks at the 12th annual MCSSA Dinner & Auction. (Monte Turner/Mineral Indepenent)