The Coors Banquet rat ( gerbil #6  ) crossed the finish line first in the Rat Races Saturday night at the Elks Lodge in Junction City. The occasion was a fundraiser for Sundown Salute, the Fourth of July celebration in the community.

The Director of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Michelle Stimatze, said it was their first fundraiser for the 2019 celebration. “I think probably our proceeds are probably a little bit over $1,000, $1,200, so great event.

Stimatze said officials are looking at an overall budget of about $65,000 that will be needed for Sundown Salute in 2019. “We’re trying to do some different fundraising events to get different crowds and hope for the best.” The next fundraiser will be “Dueling Pianos” on Saturday, January 26th, at the Courtyard By Marriott Convention Center.