The enduring tradition of St. Boniface Catholic Church’s annual Chicken Supper and Bazaar in Camden, West Virginia, recently marked its 92nd successful year, drawing a considerable crowd from near and far to celebrate community and heritage.
This significant Camden WV Event brought together nearly 500 attendees, a testament to its deep-rooted appeal, with visitors traveling remarkable distances from states like Florida and Indiana, highlighting the event’s reach beyond local borders.
Many guests made the pilgrimage not only to enjoy the festivities but also to reconnect with cherished family and friends, and for some, to honor loved ones interred in the peaceful cemetery adjacent to the church, adding a poignant dimension to the gathering.
The success of this grand Church Fundraiser was largely powered by the tireless dedication of church volunteers, who worked in seamless harmony, managing everything from the bustling dessert table and food service to cooking, dishwashing, and assembling to-go dinners, all performed with evident enjoyment and camaraderie.
Beyond the delectable supper, the vibrant Community Bazaar offered a diverse array of attractions, including locally crafted items, tempting homemade baked goods, fresh homegrown produce, and an eagerly anticipated raffle for a beautifully crafted quilt, providing ample opportunities for discovery and support.
A central part of the day’s events was the celebration of Mass at 4:30 p.m. by the parish pastor, attended by approximately 60 congregants, underscoring the spiritual foundation of the occasion, which was proudly sponsored by the dedicated St. Boniface Altar Society.
Attendees like Robert D’Aurora of Bridgeport lauded the event, emphasizing the perfect weather and the joyful fellowship, while organizers reflected on the event’s longevity, noting that the Annual Chicken Supper has grown into a cherished tradition, inviting former parish members and their families back year after year.
The origins of this beloved gathering, rooted in feeding men returning from a livestock show, illustrate the adaptive spirit of West Virginia Traditions, evolving into the widely anticipated Saturday event it is today, solidifying its place as a cornerstone Local Church Event in the community’s calendar for nearly a century.
