BUTTE — From the very beginning of this idea to raise money for the Shriners Hospital by hosting a cornhole tournament and silent auction, the Butte community has stepped up in every way it could.
“This community always rallies and always comes forth," said event organizer Dina Mellott. "We’ve barely had to even ask for help, it has just come our way.”
Governor Steve Bullock’s recent mask mandate has thrown a slight wrench into their plans for Saturday's event. Social distancing guidelines will have to be followed, along with wearing masks in situations where people can’t socially distance. Masks will be made available along with a generous donation of hand sanitizer from Headframes Distillery. To ensure the event goes off without any issues, organizers are taking even more precautions.
“Between each game we will be sanitizing the boards and each team will have their own set of cornhole bags that they will use the entire day," said event organizer Jackie Neumann.
For safety reasons, organizers are asking non cornhole players to refrain from hanging around the event site. But they do strongly encourage people to come up and check out the silent auction items. With more than 35 items to choose from, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
“Billy Fisher from the Depot donated 20 rodeo tickets and four $50 tabs,” said event organizer Camy Allen.
Winners of the cornhole tournament will have a selection of prizes ranging from custom cornhole boards to restaurant gift cards and even tickets to see the band Foreigner.
None of this would've been possible without a few kids who decided to make lemonade out of lemons.
Saturday’s event starts at 1 p.m. at Copper Mountain Park in Butte, and organizers are also still accepting donations.
