The 12th annual banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association was held on Saturday, Feb. 23, and despite poor weather and horrendous travel conditions, the event was a resounding success. The banquet is the association’s one fundraising event of the year, and the estimated preliminary total of funds generated for 2019 approaches $22,000.

“This is a regional celebration and it is exciting that the event brings together supporters from across the state,” said Dallas County Conservation Board Director Mike Wallace. “Thank you to the trail association board and banquet committee for putting on a wonderful event.”

The banquet, held at the West Des Moines Marriott, included a social hour, sit-down meal and both live and silent auctions. Kevin Cooney, longtime trail supporter and retired KCCI anchor, was the Master of Ceremony. Mike Wallace was filling in as auctioneer for the evening. Auction highlights this season included a weekend package from the Hotel Pattee, including a Chef’s Table Dining Experience for 10 people, numerous bike related items and fantastic donations from local businesses and artisans. The night closed with the traditional and ever popular Tyson Fresh Meats pork loin bidding. Once again this year the slabs of meat were sold for top dollar.