The Bellechester Community Center is s flurry of activity from 7:30 AM when the turkeys start cooking, until well past 8 PM when the last person is served at the two annual Deer Hunters Suppers. The Thanksgiving-style meals were available to eat-in or take-out on November 7th and 21st as a fundraiser for building improvements and maintenance.
Volunteers chopped and fried 40 pounds of onions with sausage and celery, freezing the mixture until adding it to the stuffing on the day of each event. The November 7th meal featured 9 Hams and 16 turkeys purchased from Goodhue Market. Each turkey was thawed in a 5 gallon bucket in the store’s cooler before being picked up. The Bellechester Community Center Association crew roasted them on site while preparing the rest of the food which included mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, a roll, and pie and ice cream for desert.
Serving began at 5 PM and supporters came steadily until 7 PM when it slowed for the final hour. About 350 people were served with to-go meals remaining a popular option. The turkey ran out at the end of the November 7th supper but other extra food was donated through a ministry in the twin cities area.
The local 4-H club helped serve beverages and clear tables. Organizers say they really appreciate all of the volunteers and would like to thank everyone who showed up to support them. Proceeds from the well-attended suppers will be put toward a new handicapped entrance ramp and front steps.
