Rice will host ball

Havre Mayor Bob Rice is pulling out all the stops to make the first annual mayoral ball a class act.

"We want this to be classy," Rice said last week. "We've even discussed having valet parking."

The event will be held on Jan. 18 at the Eagles Club, and all proceeds will benefit the Havre skateboard park to be built next to Patterson Park. Rice said the idea behind the ball is to raise money for something that is needed in the community.

A silent and open auction will offer attendees many valuable items to bid on, including American flags signed by U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.

Rice said he has also contacted the Green Bay Packers and expects to auction either a football or jersey autographed by Brett Favre. The Packers have donated items for other fund-raisers organized by Rice.

"They've been real good to me in the past," said Rice, "so I expect they'll give us something for the benefit of the kids."

Rice said local skateboarders will participate in the event by doing things like helping out at the coat check. "This is for them, so we want them to be involved."

Rice has already received several pledges from local groups and organizations, including the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Pagers, the Eagles Club and the Rotary Club.

"Many businesses have also promised to donate auction items," he said.

The affair will feature a cocktail hour beginning at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30.

Eagles manager Tom Farnham said later on, guests will have the opportunity to listen to a live band from Great Falls called the Montana Ponies.

"They play a variety of music," Farnham said.

Rice added that he plans to have a guest speaker, but doesn't know who it will be yet.