The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Like so many other events this year the Annual Community Dinner and Live Auction hosted by Ginger Hansen to benefit the Chinook Golf Course had been postponed.

Originally set to take place the first week of June the event was forced to reschedule due to COVID-19 restrictions put in place. Unlike a lot of these events the fundraiser will be able to be held, thanks in part to a decision made by the Blaine County Commissioners that will allow the event to take place at the Blaine County Fairgrounds this weekend.

Chinook resident, Ginger Hanson has spearheaded the event since its inception and again has a fantastic night planned for everyone in the community to come out, have fun, eat well and support the local course in this very trying year.

Everyone is welcome to attend the family-oriented night features something for everyone and is not just for those who play golf. This year is obviously much different, but the opportunity for folks to get out and enjoy a bit of normalcy is something that will be fun for anyone who enjoys community outings.

The fundraiser is designed to help raise funds for maintenance and upkeep of the course. Equipment needs to be repaired or updated. Fertilizer, bug spray, sand and other common needs for the course are always in need and after this crazy 2020, the course, like most non-profits, could definitely benefit from a fundraiser like this.

The event provides a huge boost to the course. This year the course has had to deal with some major issues with equipment that has failed and needs to be replaced. The course has had to change some things and generating revenue is a bit more challenging but every bit needed now than ever.

Course Superintendent Mike Seymour and the grounds keeping crew has been working hard to better the course experience when visited by members and guests alike.

There are a lot of things planned for the night which begins with a social hour at 5:00 p.m. The Beverage Bar will open with refreshments being served throughout the night.

Barbecued Baby Back Ribs are the main attraction of the dinner. Side dishes, desserts and more will accompany the ribs with help from some wonderful women who happen to be outstanding cooks. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.

Once again Ginger has organized a fantastic event and gathered plenty of great auction items as well as many door prizes.

The Live Auction will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Auctioneer Kevin Elias running the show.

In addition, there will be a number of door prizes being given away throughout the night as well as raffle tickets being sold for a Christmas Tree. Drawing will be held on November 25, 2020.

This is a community event meant to be a fun time for the entire family not just golfers. All proceeds will go to upkeep and improvements to the local course.

The Course has been able to conduct some business as normal and have hosted a few very well attended tournaments as fundraisers. It is a member owned public Nine-Hole course and is considered one of the best along the Hi-line.

Water is very limited right now, so the course is starting to harden up, but it is still very playable and a good time for any golfer, regardless of skill level.

The course receives a fair amount of play from many golfers who travel some distance just to play. Small towns in North Central Montana are seeing population declines and that translates into membership declines.

Bring the family, bring your friends and enjoy a good time out this Saturday at the Blaine County Fairgrounds.