COURTESY PHOTO
The fireplace will be roaring again Saturday, Dec. 16, when the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center holds its fifth annual Holiday Wild Game Dinner.
When the Rev. Dr. Jon Davis some years ago noticed a holiday event at the Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin, visions of a wild game dinner at Canterbury danced in his head.
Davis’ vision quickly became a reality, and once again a capacity crowd of 150 is expected to be on hand Saturday, Dec. 16, when the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center holds its fifth annual Holiday Wild Game Dinner. The event, which will run from 5-8 p.m., features venison, wild game birds and other select courses on the menu, and serves as a year-end fundraiser.
“I saw that Nashotah House, an Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin, put on a similar dinner and I thought it would go over well,” said Davis, who is the executive director at Canterbury. “It is unique in this area and it is a great way to celebrate the holidays. The event’s goal is to celebrate the Christmas season, give people a quality Canterbury experience, share the Canterbury mission and give an opportunity for folks to make a year-end gift to Canterbury, becoming a Canterbury partner.”
The food is the highlight of the event. Davis said venison and game birds are just a few of the things that attendees can enjoy.
“We have had elk tenderloin tips and a wild boar carving station, as well,” Davis said. “A favorite was a venison hash we did last year. Great holiday sides – root veggies; rice dressing; hot, fresh baked breads; casseroles; and so forth. Amazing desserts!”
Davis said all food is cooked on site by Canterbury’s hospitality staff, led by director Teri Garcia.
The event also will feature a reception and a silent auction, albeit smaller than the Canterbury Anniversary Dinner auction that was held in June. “We’ll feature a dozen or so high-end, unique items, great for some Christmas shopping,” Davis said.
Davis said the event also will feature a local high school band ensemble playing Christmas music during the reception. “We plan to have a high school choral ensemble for a few Christmas songs toward the end of the evening,” he said.
The opening and closing remarks for the event, which has drawn rave reviews through the years, will be delivered by the Canterbury executive director.
“Always positive,” Davis said. “Last year was the best. Great kudos on the food and the evening overall. People love the Canterbury campus when it is decorated for Christmas.”