WC Sheriff's Association ready to feed meat eaters
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Carnivores who like their meat as nature intended are expected to line up for an annual treat that's not to be missed: the wildly popular wild game supper held by the Wharton County Sheriff's Association.

The event, in its ninth year, will be held Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Crescent Fairgrounds, with meal service starting at 7 p.m.

Deputy George Guttenberger, vice president of the association, said this year's menu for a crowd that swelled to 700 last year contains barbecued and fried wild pork, a variety of venison dishes as well as rabbit, raccoon, alligator, duck, geese and quail.

Chili, gumbo and etouffee will be available for those who don't care for the taste of wild game.

"This event gets bigger and bigger every year, and we will not run out of food," Guttenberger said.

Club President Janet Hoffman said the association prepares enough food for 1,000 people.

The suppers began when the Sheriff's Association, a nonprofit community service organization made up of sheriff's office employees, wanted to raise money for scholarships and other youth-related causes.

Wharton County Sheriff Jess Howell said he's proud of the Sheriff's Association and the enthusiasm of its members when it comes to fundraisers. The group has made donations for scholarships and to organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, the Youth Fair and Scouting, from money earned at its three annual events: a golf tournament, fishing tournament and the wild game supper.

The evening's events also include four raffles, ranging in ticket price from $20 per ticket to $1 each.

"This has been a growing thing over the past years and has really become a good intercommunity event for both sides of the river," Guttenberger said. "There's a tremendous camaraderie, and a lot of support from the community for our association and community law enforcement."

Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. for a donation of $5 per person. Tickets are available from any association member or deputy, at the sheriff's office, or at the door.

"Call up here and we'll personally deliver them," Guttenberger said. You may contact the sheriff's office at 979-532- 1550 or 979-543-1373 for more information.

"We try to return it back to the community, so come on out," Guttenberger said. "We've got enough coon to feed multitudes!"