Delectable delicacies will tickle taste buds at wild game supper

The 32nd Annual Wild Game Supper, sponsored by Anthony Chapel United Methodist Church, will be held Saturday, February 23, at the church, which is located six miles west of Lincolnton on Metasville Road.

Serving begins at 5 p.m. and continues until either the crowd quits coming or the food runs out, usually about 8 p.m. For those concerned about waiting in line, special consideration will be given to handicapped individuals.

Last year, over 400 people attended the supper, some traveling from as far away as Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Preparing enough food to feed such a crowd is definitely a group effort. Residents of the community as well as members of other churches are assisting Anthony Chapel with the cooking.

"Our church greatly appreciates those who are giving of their time and culinary talents to make the wild game supper a success," said Phyllis Norman, one of the organizers of the event. "We are also grateful to those who come out and eat with us year after year."

She went on to express the church's gratitude to Luckey Printing Company of Thomson for once again donating the posters used to publicize the supper. She likewise thanked the local merchants and other individuals for supporting the church by purchasing ad space on the poster.

The menu for the 2008 edition of the wild game supper includes deer and deer stew, turtle stew, tame and wild turkey, alligator, squirrel stew, Tennessee ham, mountain oysters, barbecue stew, chitterlings, fish and fish stew, pork sausage, Cornish hens, chicken and dumplings, baked ham, fried chicken and chicken strips, quail, wild hog, raccoon, pig feet, rabbit, opossum, emu, beaver, snake, goat, roast beef, turkey and dressing, casseroles, vegetables, breads, salads, desserts, and more.

The menu may vary slightly due to availability.

The usual favorites are turtle stew, deer stew, barbecue stew, country- fried and barbecued deer, deer meat loaf, and chitterlings.

All of the food will be labeled so that no one will unwittingly get something he does not want; however, there will definitely be something for everyone at the supper. People are urged to come early for the best selection.

"We have been working for a year to get these rare delicacies together and encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the food and fellowship," said Norman, adding, "It's a great opportunity to visit with out-of-town guests as well as neighbors."

The cost of the supper is $10 each for those 12 and over and $5 for 6- 11 year olds. Children under six may eat free of charge.

The majority of the proceeds will go toward the maintenance and operation of Anthony Chapel UMC, which was established in 1848.

Rev. Jim Leonard is the pastor.