The Duncan Banner

Local News

Related Photos

December 25, 2008

Join in a Christmas feast today

John Walker

DUNCAN — With 36 gallons of cranberry sauce, 96 gallons of green beans, 96 gallons of corn, 1,000 cookies, 17 cases of 12 dozen rolls and plenty of turkey, there might be enough food to feed all the people today at the Christmas dinner at the fairgrounds.

The dinner, which is in its 20th year, will bring more than 200 volunteers in to help serve, prepare and clean up after the dine-in and carry-out dinners are finished. Volunteers will take dinners to all the fire departments around Stephens County and even the jail for all the prisoners.

Last year, about 2,400 people were fed in approximately a five-hour period. Carry-out begins at 9 a.m. and ends around noon. Dine-in begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Last year, about 1,300 dinners were delivered.

“Dine-in and carry-outs tend to be about even each year,” said Daisy Lawler, who is helping with the carry-outs.

Those volunteers who deliver the dinners are given a map of the locations, addresses and phone numbers so that they don’t get lost and the dinner can be delivered on time.

“It’s fun,” said Sonny Webb, who has helped organize the event since its inception. “It keeps getting bigger every year. We started with one food line and now we have to use two.”

The food is either donated or purchased with money donated for the cause each year.

Volunteers started setting up Tuesday at the Conference Center at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center. The largest room is set up with chairs and tables. It can hold up to 450 people at a time.

When people arrive for the dinner, they check in and are escorted to the room with the tables and chairs. Volunteers then serve them a full meal.

“They don’t have to serve themselves,” Webb said. “We even have a lady playing the piano the entire time people are there. She’s been doing that for 18 or 19 years.”

On Wednesday, volunteers were feverishly making sure all the food was ready for today’s dinner.

Jerretta Davidson from Corum, known as the “gravy lady,” said that she will cook four or five 10-gallon pots full of gravy before dinner is served. Three whole turkeys were used for the gravy.

“I got involved six or seven years ago when my high school-age son started volunteering,” Davidson said. “He asked me to come help out, as well, and I eventually became the gravy lady.”

The dinner is free and open to anyone.

Text Only
Local News
  • Thieves hit two businesses; stolen truck is discovered

    February 7, 2012

  • Heartbeat dancers seniors And the beat goes on ...

    For 27 years, Heartbeat Dance studio has been providing young girls the opportunity to follow their dance aspirations — whatever they may be — thanks to owner Stephanie Gregston.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • DPSF grants spur arts, science interest DPSF grants spur arts, science interest

    While much of the focus at the Duncan Public School Foundation’s Hall of Fame Banquet centers around those being inducted into the hall, the annual gathering is also an opportunity for the DPSF to display one of its key functions.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tackling 'good ol' boy' system

    As a conservative Republican and Assistant Majority Whip in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Corey Holland makes no excuses for remaining true to the values that guide his philosophy and votes.

    February 6, 2012

  • Winter Classic Pig Show Winter Classic Pig Show off to good start

    There was a buzz circulating through the Stephens County Fair & Expo Livestock Pavilion over the weekend, when youth from across the state showed off their swine at the inaugural Winter Classic Pig Show.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • Rain, high temperatures recorded for Friday

    Rain on Friday helped to make the beginning of February wetter than the beginning of January.

    February 6, 2012

  • Spotlight shines at DPSF Banquet

    For the Duncan Public Schools Foundation and the Duncan School District, Thursday was a night of recognition.

    February 5, 2012

  • How high will it go?

    For a week now, motorists have been paying a bit more when they stick the nozzle into their gas tank. That could be the norm over the next few months, when prices at the pump are expected to continue to increase.

    February 5, 2012

  • Sykes to lead Senate Judiciary Committee hearings

    State Sen. Anthony Sykes said Oklahomans will be hearing a lot of talk this year about bond issues and tax credits during the legislative session which opens Monday.

    February 5, 2012

  • Prep skippers Super Bowl XLVI: Bring it on!

    It’s finally arrived, the biggest game of the pro football season, the Super Bowl. With the 46th edition of the NFL showcase comes a rematch from the 2007 game between the AFC Champion New England Patriots and the NFC representative New York Giants.

    February 5, 2012 1 Photo