Methodist Church prepares for dinner
Traditions run strong at the Tonganoxie United Methodist Church.
Joann Brown, co-chairman of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner and bazaar with Susie Parmer, said she remembers her mother preparing for the annual church fund-raiser.
The event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday in the basement of the church basement, Fourth and Green streets.
Brown, who grew up a church member, said she remembers her mother, Anna Grems, preparing for the annual dinner some 50 years ago.
“I can remember my mother making angel food cakes from scratch,” Brown said. “It took a dozen eggs to make one cake and she made pies.”
The United Methodist Women still make angel food cakes, particularly for their diabetic diners. Another traditional food item is the golden glow salad, an orange Jello salad with carrots and pineapple.
“That’s been served for years,” Brown said. “So traditionally, it’s pretty much the same as it always has been.”
Along with the trimmings, of course, are the basics, including a dozen 22- to- 24 pound turkeys, 90 pounds of ground pork and ham for ham balls, sweet potatoes and dressing made from 40 loaves of bread.
And for the early Christmas shoppers, there’s the bazaar, complete with crafts, gift and food items.
Brown said last year more than 400 diners attended the event. Also, she said, carryout dinners will be available. These can be ordered ahead of time by calling the church office, 845-2814.
Tickets for the dinner are: adults, $6, children 5 to 10, $2.50, and under 5, $1.