Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — This year's successful Wing Ding-Hoedown raised thousands of dollars for college-bound students in the Yampa Valley.

The dinner and dance was held in mid-June at the Storm Mountain Ranch south of Steamboat. It combined two annual events the Routt County Cattlemen's Wing Ding party and the Ski Town Lions Club's Hoedown dance.

"It was really great," said Jeff Temple, president of Storm Mountain Ranch. "We had 565 people show up for the dance."

Partygoers were treated to beef that was seasoned and slow cooked for more than 12 hours, hay rides, fishing, a roping exhibition and music until 1 a.m. by the band Led Stetson.

"We had horse trailers and pickups coming in all night," Temple said.

The Routt County CattleWomen auctioned off their famous pies, some bringing $90.

About $15,000 was raised by dinner and dance and the pie auction. That money will be divided three ways by the CattleWomen, Cattlemen and Lions Club.

For the Cattleman, the event is the group's primary fund-raiser. The money helps the group finance 4-H activities, agriculture extension seminars, run Cattlemen meetings and pay for general operations.

The CattleWomen use the money for scholarships. Their portion goes directly into a scholarship fund, which is used to provide money to college-bound students from Routt County.

For five years, the CattleWomen have given scholarship for around $750 to a student from each part of the county. There are two different scholarships available, one for graduating seniors who are going on to college and the other for people who are enrolled in a continuing education course.

The group tries to focus on giving the money to people who come from the agricultural families but has made exceptions.

The CattleWomen have given out 32 scholarships, totaling $18,750, to students since the scholarship fund was started.

The success of the Wing Ding-Hoedown really helped fill the group's scholarship fund.

"The number of scholarships and money available will only grow as the scholarship fund grows," Nancy Mucklow said.

The Wing Ding-Hoedown money also will help the Ski Town Lions Club's scholarship fund.

The Lions Club's portion of the money goes into the club's general fund, which is used for donations. Five, $500 scholarships are given to graduating seniors from Steamboat Springs to help with their first year of college. In addition to the scholarships, the group focuses on helping individuals and groups that need assistance.

"If it's a cause from the heart and it's a true need to the community, will give money to it when it's available," Ski Town Lions Club President Kenton Atkinson said.

To reach Doug Crowl call 871-4206 or e-mail dcrowl@amigo.net