Local GOP tries to jazz up annual dinner

The Flathead Valley Republican Party is looking to put some zip in this week’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner with a concerted effort at attracting new faces.

The dinner is the primary annual celebration and fundraising event that is typically held in February or March across the country. This year the local dinner will be Thursday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building starting at 5 p.m.

“We were looking for a way to put a new twist on a predictable, business-as-usual event and to invite new faces to the conservative landscape, if you will,” committee chairwoman Janette Reynolds said.

“One of the main concerns of my committee was that we often saw the same faces at the dinners in the past. We identified the need to  make a broad appeal to the public, and to welcome attendees from every generation. This is not a private club, after all,” said Reynolds, who is president of Icon Media Communications in Kalispell.

Past events have not included live music, but this year’s dinner will feature a Johnny Cash cover band from Missoula to reinforce a 1950s theme.

“In addition, we’ve endeavored to build a speaker platform that would honor our current legislators and appeal to the youth of the Flathead Valley,” Reynolds said.

Mark Johnson, an organizing committee member, was instrumental in scheduling Charlie Kirk, founder of TurningPointUSA.net, as a speaker. Kirk is a 19-year-old student from the Chicago area who has appeared on Fox News more than 25 times in the last year and been featured on The Willis Report and other media.

Other speakers include Montana Congressman Steve Daines, state Attorney General Tim Fox, retired Navy SEALS Commander Ryan Zinke. Former legislator Derek Skees will be master of ceremonies.

“I am fortunate to have former committee members to mentor me, passionate team members and local businessman Ray Thompson, who helped shape the speaker format,” Reynolds said.

The event will also involve a silent auction, a 1950s costume contest, a cash bar and a full dinner with dessert and coffee. Auction and raffle items include stays at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort and Whitefish Lake Lodge along with dining packages.

Those planning to attend are being encouraged to invite their children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors and students to the event. 

Tickets are $50 and seating is limited because of a recent spike in interest. Tickets are available at Sykes’ Diner in Kalispell and Perkins restaurant in Evergreen.

The event is put on by volunteers from the Flathead County Republicans, the Pachyderm Club and Flathead County Republican Women.