A capacity crowd filled the Stettler United Church hall on Sunday, Oct. 26, for the annual fall supper.
Organizer Elpha Sentz estimated that around 400 people partook in the meal, with newcomers claiming seats as soon as they became available.
“It was a steady crowd, for sure,” added Joan Baltimore. “It usually is a good turnout.”
The main hall of the church’s Christian Education wing quickly filled up, and some attendees were seated in smaller adjacent rooms.
The local executive of the United Church Women organizes the meal every year, although Sentz described it as a “congregational event” with both men and women making contributions.
“The only thing that we paid for was the meat,” said Sentz. “Everything else was donated. . . . People are very responsive. They give generously, and come and eat.”
The meal included roast beef, potatoes, vegetables and several kinds of salads. A wide range of pies were offered for dessert, from apple and pumpkin to raisin and chocolate pudding.
Sentz said that around 40 people volunteered in rotating shifts, and expressed her appreciation for everyone who made a contribution.
She recalled that the fall supper was already an established event when she first arrived in Stettler in 1970 and estimated that it has been going for more than half a century.
The proceeds of the supper go towards the church’s ministries, missions and programs. The church has lately undergone renovations to improve its accessibility, including remodeling the bathrooms and the addition of an elevator.
The Christian Education wing recently received a new roof, while the building’s exterior also needed work and general upkeep.