TCCIA prepares for redneck of a good time

Overalls, missing teeth and straw hats will be among the attire at the Trout Creek Community Improvement Association’s (TCCIA) annual Redneck Ball, slated for March 4 at The Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek.

TCCIA President Liz Stender said the event is gearing up to be another success for the non-profit. They have more sponsors and some top-notch prizes, she said. “It’s such a fun night. It’s a little bit of everything thrown into one, with auctions, prizes, and hilarious entertainment.”

The event kicks off Saturday, March 4, with a no-host social hour 5-7 p.m. Stender said there will be some new activities during the social hour to get the crowd ready for the show. Leading the show will be Dave and Deb Oliver with some special guests. “They always come up with creative comedy shows,” Stender noted. The Tammy Whynottes are also back this year. The show begins at 7 p.m. The Lakeside will have food and beverages available for purchase.

The evening will be led by emcee Don Manning, and Kevin Hill is once again providing auction services. Stender said there will be a variety of opportunities for attendees to support the TCCIA, including the annual auctioning of the best seat in the house, a couch in the front row of the audience on which the highest bidder can watch the show. The event also features bucket raffles. Stender said with more sponsors and donations, the prizes are even better this year, and include a paddleboard, kayak, smoke, power tools, a fire pit, ammo, an air fryer and more. “All the prizes are in the $200-$300 range,” she added.

The Redneck Ball also features a progressive live auction in which the big-ticket item is kept a surprise and attendees are lured in by first bidding on smaller, sometimes quite silly, items before the high-value item is revealed. Another way to support the organization and get prizes at the event is with the pick of the litter table. Stender said $20 tickets are sold and as they are drawn, winners get to pick from items remaining on the table.

Stender said that tickets are at a premium this year, as the 2022 Redneck Ball sold out at the door. “Word is getting out about what we’re doing and people know they are going to have a good time,” she expressed. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 for a couple and available at The Sanders County Ledger in Thompson Falls or The Lakeside in Trout Creek. Due to some adult content in the comedy show, it is open to those 18 and older.

TCCIA has several projects in the works in Trout Creek, including upgrades and maintenance at the Trout Creek Community Park. Stender said a bucket list item for the non-profit is to install an irrigation system at the park and build a new community kitchen. “That project has been on the radar, but it takes time and funding,” she noted, adding that they are researching grants to help with funding. Last year, the pickleball court was completed, and TCCIA would like to add swings to the playground and update some of the booths on the grounds. “We want to make sure we’re meeting the needs of the community,” Stender said. In recent years there have been more requests to use the park, including for weddings and other family events. “We rely on the community for support. Being able to put on the Redneck Ball where the community can help support us but also have a good time, that means a lot to us as an organization.”

TCCIA also hosts an Easter Eggstravaganza at the park, Shakespeare in the Park, a Paddlin’ Poker Run in the summer, a farmers market and events around Christmas. The board has seven members, and Stender has been the president for five years. She said her most memorable project was the Bob Greene Memorial Playground. “That was a really special project with a lot of partnerships, community support and volunteer hours.” Stender added that they are always looking for volunteers and people who want to get involved. “We appreciate the new ideas and new enthusiasm.”