As it is now the Thanksgiving weekend, the Observer is providing details on some of the fall suppers that will be happening in the area.
Kisbey: “In 1988 village residents discussed turning the old Kisbey school into a Recreation Centre,” said spokesperson Elisa Jackson. “That October was the first of many fall suppers. Four of the original members are still on the board, Andree Harkness, Marilyn Hale, Norma Houston and Karen Starkell.
“Our last sit-down supper was in 2019 when 410 meals were served. Because of medical restrictions, we held our first takeout supper in 2020, keeping the tradition alive and 206 suppers were served. Since then our board has had three other takeout servings.
“Net proceeds from this supper go towards the purchase of new appliances and general maintenance. A few years ago, we decided to have our suppers on a Friday so that we aren’t competing with others in the area. Around10 of us prepare the takeout meal.
“We wish to thank everyone that helps out along with numerous donations from our suppliers. We are expecting a good turnout. This year’s fall supper takes place Friday October 22nd at the Kisbey Recreation Centre from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm.”
Manor: Tracy Brimner has been involved with Manor Fall Suppers for over 25 years and provided a report.
“Fall suppers in Manor have been sporadic over the years. In 2016, several clubs in the village decided to get together and organize. Manor School Community Council, Manor 2017 Grad Class, the public library and at that time the Manor Mustangs Wrestling Club combined forces and held a joint supper.
“It was a huge success with close to 400 being served. We had several compliments from larger city residents commending Manor for all of the young people that helped out. The suppers went well for three more years and then with medical restrictions occurring in 2020, our first fall takeout supper occurred.
“We received positive feedback last year and will be doing it again. Weir’s Catering will once again be cooking our meat, and with a generous donation from the Arcola Co-op, all potatoes will be donated as well. We have around 15-20 people that help out each year. The Manor Public Library is spearheading this supper but the proceeds will be split evenly between other community groups.
“I am very proud of our small town of Manor and hope folks from near and far attend. Our fall supper is Sunday, October 24th from 4:30-6 at the Community Hall. Watch for posters and personal Facebook pages for pre-order and e-transfer information.”
Maryfield: Chairperson Barb Swallow filed this report. “The Maryfield United Church annual fall supper is a takeout supper with pickup from the lower half of the Maryfield Auditorium on the corner of Main Street and Pipestone. The hall has been recently renovated so our committee is excited to be using the new kitchen for the first time.
“Because of COVID restrictions, we did not have a fall supper in 2020 so this will be a learning experience. At our last sit-down supper in 2019, we served 300. We have a strong contingent of both men and women that help out. Helen Johnson since 1965, Mary Lou Sweeting since 1973, and Fran Balls since 1988 are some of our long-term volunteers. Charlotte Kovach is another of our veterans.”
Swallow also provide with a chuckle.
“Years ago, after clean up, the unused groceries were returned to the store the next day. Apparently an empty tub of margarine was filled with leftovers and inadvertently returned to the store shelves. It was quite the surprise when the customer purchased her tub of margarine and opened it up at home.”
The 2021 fall supper takes place on Oct. 24 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Everyone must pre-order by Oct. 18 so quantities can be finalized. To order, call Swallow at 306-646-7725.
Net profits are used to help out these smaller communities in many different ways and the fall supper is often their largest fundraiser of the year.
