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The Josephburg Agricultural's Society Chicken Supper has been an ongoing tradition in the community since the very early 1900's. At that time the ladies of the Josephburg Evangelical & Reformed Church(now known as Josephburg United Church) held their first picnic suppers in July to raise money for church improvements. The event was later moved to the Josephburg Recreation Grounds where a booth was built with volunteer labor. After trying to cope with the weather in July, the suppers were moved indoors to the Josephburg Community Hall. This was prior to the establishment of the supper now held in June in Moyer Recreation Centre and sponsored by the JAS. The tradition of home fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, ham, coleslaw, vegetable trays and pies still carries on but on a much larger scale.
This event draws the community together and is our main fundraiser of the year. Those attending the dinner enjoy the annual symbol of Alberta’s small town spirit and hospitality. The 2009 Chicken Supper included a display of vintage tractors by the Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association, rabbits brought in by the Csnadian Rabbit Hopping Club and a telescope of great magnitude courtesy of Cosmic Journey Inc. Heart & Hooves, local bands and entertainers were also part of the afternoon.
All profits go directly back into the community. Proceeds in the past have helped build a tennis court and basketball court, a creative playground, three shaled and fenced ball diamonds, a heritage park with paved walkways, upgrades to the Gymkhana Grounds, including a picnic area as well as the complete renovation of the community hall. Community groups benefit directly and indirectly from these proceeds.
Groups helping at this event are the Fort Saskatchewan Snow Angels, Strathcona Area 5 Seniors, Josephburg Riding Club, 4-H Beef Club, Strathcona Emergency Services and Josephburg Minor Hockey Club as well as many other local individuals.
On June 14, 2000 the Josephburg Agricultural Society set a Guinness “Canadian Record” for holding the largest “Fowl Supper” attended by 2176 people. On June 13, 2001 we unofficially surpassed that record by feeding 2719 people with approximately 100 people also being turned away.
On June 14, 2002 we held another supper and for the first time ever, tickets were sold in advance. 2189 people flocked from far and wide to attend this event. They arrived by carload and bus load. Famished folks chowed down on 622 kg (1369 pounds) of home fried chicken, 160 pounds of ham, 450 pounds of potatoes, 200 pounds of coleslaw, 60 gallons of baked beans, 68 liters of pickles, 185 dozen buns and 500 pies. Approximately 1137 man hours were worked by 200 volunteers. Volunteers prepare the chicken, potato salad, coleslaw and beans according to old recipes with some modifications. Every organization in the 50 household hamlet and the community at large becomes involved.
The Josephburg Chicken Supper is proud to be sponsored in part by Shell Canada Limited. |
