The Big Valley Legion came together on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 to continue one of the timeless traditions of the community – Stew Day.
Originally Stew Day was organized by the Legion’s Ladies’ Auxilliary, but when the ladies gave up their charter, some of them moved on and joined the Legion, continuing the tradition of making stew for the community.
“It gave the community a nice break from the cold of the winter,” said Arline Grover, main organizer of the event. “When we had started this years back it used to a whole-day affair and we served both dinner and supper for the community.”
Over the years, however this has become more of an afternoon meal, with the only change being that the meat is now purchased to keep the costs down for the volunteer cooks.
The stew meal on Friday was accompanied by biscuits, bread, pickles and other side dishes that were all donated or purchased, besides beverages.
“However, green ice cream tops off the meal,” Grover added. “We had five beef stews and one wild game stew, enough to feed up to 50 or more who attended.
Grover explained that they keep the charges down to $5 a person, especially because it is very well attended by the seniors in the community and area.
“The Legion’s primary role is to never forget those who have given their all for their country,” said Legion President Lorne Parkin. “We assist in the community if asked and we are active in the school for the literary and poster contests. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge and we will be holding a ceremony at our cenotaph to remember the fallen in that significant fight that forged Canada into the country that we are.”