Hi-Line Future Foundation continues fundraising efforts to assist in Malta Pool refurbishment

To date, The Hi-Line Future Foundation (HFF) has raised $48,809.99 and with their annual Oktoberfest right around the corner, the group is hoping for that total to be on the rise.

Oktoberfest kicks off on Friday, October 26 at the Lucky Bullet Hole starting at 6 p.m. and will feature microbrews from Blue Ridge Brewing, bratwurst and live music by Rock Solid Country. There will also a raffle being held by HFF in which a “build your own vacation trip” for $2,500 through Travel Haven will be awarded to one lucky winner. Tickets for the raffle are $50 each, only 300 tickets will be sold. Tickets can be purchased at all local banks, Westside Self Service and from HFF members.

The HFF was formed three years ago to address the problem of an aging pool in the City of Malta. At the first Malta City Council meeting of September, Interstate Engineering’s Troy Kelsey told the council of three different plans to improve the pool; rehabilitate the existing pool, a new swimming pool at the existing spot, or a new aquatics facility at a new location. Prices for these projects were estimated at around $87,000, $1.84 million, and $2.2 million, respectively. The City of Malta is planning to hold a public meeting on the pool possibilities at a future date.

“Hi-Line Future Foundation paid $3,000 toward having that assessment completed,” HFF Treasurer and Secretary Mary Oxarart said. “Right now, we are also working toward 'Hi-Line Nation' license plates designed by Scott Haynes (formerly of Saco and the author of Roadie the Ranch Dog) and that money will also be used by the Foundation. So far, the license plate design looks awesome.”

HFF is currently working on getting auction items for the Oktoberfest auction and anyone willing to donate items is encouraged to contact Oxarart and the HFF by mail at PO Box 514, Malta, MT, 59538, email at [email protected] or on Facebook.

“The music will be amazing, the beer is new to Malta and everyone is looking forward to that and there will be brats and sauerkraut, and salads again, and everyone enjoyed that last year,” Oxarart said. “There will also be live and silent auctions, and card-raffles for two guns. We want people to know that we are active and holding at least one meeting per month. We are always looking for input and assistance.”