Trout Creek Community Association Prepares for Busy Year

Group plans new community kitchen, annual events, and ongoing community improvement projects

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

The Trout Creek Community Association (CIA) in western Sanders County, Montana is gearing up for a busy year of fundraising, events, and community improvement projects. The group is hosting a public meeting this week to gather input on plans for a new community kitchen at Trout Creek Park, and their biggest annual fundraiser, the Cabin Fever Redneck Ball, is scheduled for March 7. Throughout the year, the CIA also hosts an Easter egg hunt, a summer Paddlin' Poker Run, movie nights, a car show, Shakespeare in the Park, a Christmas tree lighting, and a weekly farmers market.

Why it matters

The Trout Creek CIA plays a vital role in organizing community events, improving local infrastructure, and supporting youth and community programs in the small town of Trout Creek and surrounding western Sanders County. The new community kitchen project aims to further enhance the group's ability to serve local residents and visitors.

The details

The Trout Creek CIA received grant funding to plan for a new community kitchen at Trout Creek Park. The proposed 800-1,200 square foot facility would include an enclosed commercial kitchen and covered seating area, providing a space for cooking, canning, and baking classes as well as use by local cottage food producers. The public is invited to a meeting this Thursday to provide input on the project. The CIA's biggest annual fundraiser, the Cabin Fever Redneck Ball variety show and auction, is scheduled for March 7 and helps support the group's community improvement efforts.

  • The public meeting on the community kitchen project is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • The Cabin Fever Redneck Ball fundraiser is set for Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Trout Creek Community Association (CIA)

A non-profit community organization in Trout Creek, Montana that manages the local park, organizes events and programs, and undertakes community improvement projects.

Liz Stender

Chairperson of the Trout Creek Community Association.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to hear feedback from our community to see how we can develop a community kitchen that will most benefit our community members. Whether it be through offering cooking, canning, and baking classes or having a space available to our cottage food producers in western Sanders County.”

— Liz Stender, CIA Chairperson (Sanders County Ledger)

“The Redneck Ball has a little bit of everything thrown into one night for a guaranteed good time and lots of laughter.”

— Liz Stender, CIA Chairperson (Sanders County Ledger)

What’s next

The Trout Creek CIA will host a public meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2026 to gather community input on the planned community kitchen project at Trout Creek Park.

The takeaway

The Trout Creek Community Association is an active and engaged non-profit organization that plays a vital role in organizing events, improving local infrastructure, and supporting community programs in the small town of Trout Creek and surrounding area. The group's upcoming plans for a new community kitchen and continued annual events demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for local residents.