Concert raises $920 for Chuckwagon

Despite a relatively low turnout, due to the generosity of local sponsors a concert fundraiser for Hill County 4-H raised nearly $1,000 to help replace its Chuckwagon at the Great Northern Fairgrounds.

Oregon rancher and Country and Western recording artist Joni Harms performed a benefit concert for 4-H July 16 in the Bigger Better Barn, following the pig wrestling event at which 4-H helped.

Stacey Waid of Hill County 4-H said the concert raised $920, with proceeds going to replace the 60-year-old Chuckwagon with a modern 160-foot by 40-foot building.

Harms, who performed some songs with her daughter Olivia and had Blaine County artists Ken Overcast and his granddaughter Faith Hollingstad as special guest performers, charged $1,250 for her performance.

That cost was covered by community sponsorships, Waid said.

"Joni was very gracious and the folks that were present thoroughly enjoyed the concert ... ," Waid said, adding, "Thanks to all the community support and volunteers that made the evening possible."

Waid said she would like to invite Harms and her band back to perform again, but that is something that would have to be brought up and discussed by the 4-H committee and the Great Northern Fair Board.