2026 Annual banquet at The Fort

On February 7th forty Vintagers, spouses and guests convened at The Fort for our annual banquet. An excellent selection of beer and wine was included with both passed appetizers and dinner. We were treated to our choice of elk chops, buffalo ribs, quail or salmon entrees followed by creme burlee or chocolate chili cake. While this was truly a festive event, we paused to acknowledge the passing of five members over the last year. Bob Nikkel, Bill Midkiff, Michael Sabbeth, Tom Bryant and Mike Lowery were remembered for who they were as individuals and what they meant to our club. Bob Nikkel's wife Cyndee and Michael Sabbeth's daughter Elise spoke of the love both men had for the history and beauty of fine side-by-side shotguns and their dedication to Rocky Mountain Vintagers. After dinner we settled in to enjoy a slide presentation from Laura and Thomas Carter about their recent trip to Africa in pursuit of Cape Buffalo. Both the images and narrative gave us a real sense of the land, the native people and the wildlife in this magnificent part of the world. Finally, I believe those in attendance felt the strong kinship of this group an we are a better club as a result.