The way to a community’s heart is through its stomach.
An army of cooks and bakers have started preparing food for the sixth annual Turkey Supper Oct. 3 at the Davisburg Community Hall.
It will be more than the turkeys that will be stuffed — so will the well-fed patrons.
“The really cool stat is how much food we prepare,” said Diana Froc, one of the organizers of the event. “There is 600 pounds of turkey, we prepare 300 pounds of potatoes, 250 pies, 80 pounds of corn, 65 pounds of onions, 30 pounds of cabbage, 20 pounds of tomatoes, 20 pounds of broccoli — the numbers are staggering.”
The pies are a community effort.
A work-bee was held Saturday to prepare the pastries at Lynore Park’s Davisburg area home.
This Friday some of the pies will be made ahead of the Oct. 3 feast.
“I might take home a dozen pies and when I’m going home, I will drop off pies to friends and neighbours to be baked the day of the event,” Froc said.
However, the locally famous pecan and pumpkin pies won’t be done until Oct. 2.
“We have 50 pecan and 50 pumpkin and we do them the day before,” Froc said. “We will meet at the hall, cook those up so they are fresh for Saturday morning. Some of the magic for me is how many people get their hands in to help do this.”
The proof is in the pudding, or make that the pie fillings.
“There are people who come to the dinner just because the love the pies so much,” Froc said with a laugh.
The organizers need all that food.
Last year more than 700 people went through the hall to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast.
The proceeds go towards recreation facilities and the maintenance of the hall. A long-term goal is to build an outdoor pavilion near the recreation facility.
“It’s a volunteer board and we need money to keep the lights and the yard going for all the activities that go on in the hall,” Froc said.
The turkey dinner follows the legacy of the Gladys Ridge Turkey Supper.
“Gladys Ridge had a long-standing turkey dinner and they were awesome in helping us when we took over last year,” Froc said.
The 30 turkeys are raised in the Gladys Ridge area. The cooking is donated by Hansel and Gretel Catering. The supper also receives generous food donations from Okotoks Sobeys and Safeway.
It’s a family affair with bounce castles, a small show-and-shine, face-painting and other events.
For more information contact Froc at 403-995-6551.
Advanced tickets can be purchased on-line at www.davisburg.ca or at Heritage Heights School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
