A popular annual turkey dinner northeast of Okotoks is changing up its format this year.
There will still be plenty of turkey, potatoes and all the fixings – and 230 pies for dessert – but the Davisburg Turkey Supper will take place on a Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday evening this year.
The festivities take place at Davisburg Community Hall on Oct. 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with continuous seating through the afternoon, an auction and market items for sale. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward the Davisburg Community Association.
Diana Froc, co-organizer of the turkey supper, said the day has been changed largely to accommodate Hansel & Gretel Catering, which cooks up all the turkeys and potatoes for the event.
“We said it was no problem because we really couldn’t do it without them,” said Froc. “They cook all of our food for no charge, and they’re such amazing contributors. And, it’s a family event anyway, so the format on Sunday feels like it works really well.”
Another advantage is to be able to clean up the site before dark, she said.
Vandals set fire to hay bales and an golf cart after last year’s dinner, causing upwards of $15,000 damage. She said the change in time will allow some peace of mind to have everything put away the night of the dinner.
The turkey supper usually brings in $15,000 to $20,000 for the community association, but after last year’s vandalism the profit from the event was only a few thousand dollars, she said.
One of the tents had damage to its belts, but it had been borrowed from the High River Rotary Club, which chose to cover the cost of repairs itself, she said. Other items rented or borrowed were not covered under the MD of Foothills insurance policies, she said.
This year, someone will be on-site the night before and the night of the event for extra security and peace of mind, she said.
“We’re playing it safe this year for sure,” said Froc. “That seems to be the best mitigatory, just to have someone there the entire time.”
She said it was disappointing last year to see so much hard work go to waste, but she’s looking forward to seeing the fruits of volunteer labour this year.
It takes more than 100 volunteers to make the Davisburg Turkey Supper possible, she said, from making pies to providing auction and market items, setting up and taking down the event and planning the dinner.
“It’s so heartwarming to feel how much the community contributes,” said Froc. “We’re excited to get back on track with this year’s turkey supper.”
Proceeds from this year’s dinner will go toward upgrades for the washrooms at the hall, as well as finishing the ball diamond and soccer fields on the site, she said.
The turkey dinner will also feature entertainment by Steve Pointemeyer, who’s mix of country, gospel and folks music has been a favourite at the Davisburg Farmer’s market. He also played at the dinner last year, she said.
Tickets for the dinner cost $22 for adults and $15 for children six to 12. Children five and under eat free. Advance purchase is recommended, as the dinner sells out quickly.
For more information visit www.davisburg.ca
