Emden's 145th Anniversary opens with 69-year- "Welcome home!" chicken supper

[July 18, 2016]  EMDEN - The 2016 Emden Homecoming kicked off Friday night, July 15, 2016 with their annual chicken supper, now hosted by members of the FFA. This summer, the town is 145 years old.

Kent Cross said the homecoming began in the late '40s as a way of welcoming people home from World War II.

The chicken supper almost always been a big part of the homecoming, now in its 69th year.

Many Emden residents shared memories of past chicken suppers.

Roberta Rademaker said the chicken supper has been a part of the homecoming since the beginning, in addition to food stands and Bingo.

One longtime Emden resident said in the earlier years, Auxiliary Ladies would kill and dress the chickens themselves.

Carrie Nowatney, who grew up in Emden, said she remembers helping her mom prepare the chicken when she was a child.

Vera James said the Women's Auxiliary hosted the chicken supper for many years. They baked many pies for the supper.

Joyce Klokkenga said for many years, the ladies cooked the chicken and the FFA members did a fish fry on Saturday.

In recent years, the FFA started doing the chicken supper. They now get the chicken from Lincoln IGA, but the students prepare the rest of the meal, which includes mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw, and desserts.

FFA teacher Elizabeth Fanning said they had been working hard to prepare the dinner. Students went with her to IGA, Sam's, and Walmart to get needed items.

As people lined up, FFA members such as Lily Escobedo, Sammy Preschall, and Emily Craig prepared to serve them.

Noah Watts, Xavier Detmers, Justin Cannon, Kassy Eskew, Talia Andrate set up the table at the entrance. They said money raised will be used for FFA events such as horse judging, livestock judging, trapshooting, and attendance at state and national FFA conventions.

The chicken supper moved to the second floor of the Emden Community House a few years ago since there is more room. An elevator lift installed in the past few years has made it more accessible to many.

Virginia Smith really enjoyed the chicken and said, "the chicken is the best I have ever had." Smith said she goes to many small town festivals. She had not been to Emden for many years and said she was surprised at how it had changed and expanded.

Ron Schrader has been coming to the supper for a few years and said he always enjoys the food. Schrader said for a small town, they have great entertainment.

After the supper, many people stayed to listen to the evening's entertainment, play games, jump in the bouncy houses, or just visit with longtime friends.

Events continued on Saturday with townwide garage sales, a parade, and more evening activities.

[Angela Reiners]