SERVING WITH SMILE … From Left: Sue Smethurst, Morgan Cape, and Jen Leppelmeier greet patrons and take orders.
PHOTOS BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
RAFFLE TIME … Braving the late September heat, Leslie Siebenaler (left) and Heather Timbrook offer customers the chance to win big with 50/50 raffle tickets.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The St. Mary’s Church Chicken and Ham dinner, which started as a festival 75 years ago, has now become an annual Edgerton tradition. Although it was held at different times and locations prior to 1987, it has been a fixture on the fourth Sunday in September ever since.
However, one thing that has not wavered but grown since the early days is community involvement. From sponsors to volunteers, it takes a multitude of people to make the event a recurring success.
In appreciation, the church erected a large banner at the pick-up point thanking their sponsors: Woolace Electric, Spangler Candy Company, State Bank – Edgerton Branch, and Andres O’Neil and Lowe Agency.
This year, the dinner was offered as a drive-thru event, which has been the sole option since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past, the church offered a sit-down or carryout meal, but the format is reevaluated every year. Judging from the line stretching from the church, through the St. Mary’s School parking lot, past Maple Grove Cemetery, and nearly to State Route 49, the drive-thru is clearly the most efficient way.
The dinner operated seamlessly, thanks in large part to the dedicated volunteers, approximately 135 total this year. Volunteers, young and old directed traffic, took orders, sold raffle tickets, and ran orders up from the kitchen, all with a smile.
While waiting in line after placing their order, customers could purchase tickets for a grill raffle and the fan favorite 50/50.
Other volunteers recorded pie orders, pumpkin, apple, or pecan, and some of the youngest volunteers offered customers a cold drink before the main event.
Pulling up to the pick-up point, volunteers brought up boxes of piping hot meals, even helping load the orders into your vehicle if you wish.
The chicken and ham dinner included fried chicken, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, noodles, and pie. It was offered for a free will donation, with all proceeds going to support the operations of the church.