The hall at Donalda was full as people came from the community and surrounding area to enjoy a beef dinner and the comedic stylings of Phil Callaway on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The Laugh Again Christmas event was organized by the Donalda Sharon Lutheran Church to bring the community together for the holidays. The tables were decorated in bright colours and the hall was vibrant and bright with Christmas decor.
The event sold out about a month ago, according to one of the event organizers, Mark Siemens. Organizers had hoped to reach the 150 mark in ticket sales, and were gratified by the sellout, Siemens noted.
The evening started with a catered beef on a bun meal, with members of the church potlucking the sides. Teresa's Catering provided the beef and dessert.
After dinner was finished, Callaway began his act, pushing through technical problems with his microphone and continuing to entertain without, at least for a short period of time.
Callaway, who hails from Three Hills, came dressed in a bright red holiday jacket, and quickly had the hall in laughter. His wife, Ramona, accompanied him.
The event was not a fundraiser, but instead a way for the church to give back not just to its congregation, but to the community as a whole, Siemens said.
"We try to do some type of Christmas event," Siemens said. "Whether it's just for the church or the community, I think it varies."
The church subsidized most of the cost of Callaway's fee, ensuring the ticket prices could stay low.
"We just want to put on a great night for the people of Donalda," Siemens said.
Callaway, whose radio show "Laugh Again" is broadcast in markets around the world, is also an award-winning speaker and novelist. His wife, their three children and their families often make appearances in his comedy.
While many of Callaway's jokes and tales appeal to a broad spectrum of audience, he also uses his comedy as a platform for his faith as well. Callaway is also editor of the Christian magazine "Servant," which he helped start in 1989. Today, the magazine reaches more than 100 countries worldwide.