Century-old Harvest Home Dinner continues

WANTAGE — The Beemerville Presbyterian Church Harvest Home Dinner will take place on Tuesday, July 26, at the Beemerville Firehouse from 5 to 7 p.m., continuing the 109-year-old tradition.
The Harvest Home Dinner was originally started to gather the congregants to give thanks to God for the farmers' harvests. Nowadays, the congregation counts few farmers and reflects the more suburban/country lifestyle. The dinner gathers neighbors, friends and family focused in the Beemerville area. Folks travel from as far away as Florida and Maine to be at the village Church's annual dinner.
"Fellowship, Food and Fun" is the motto of the evening, and all are welcome.
Ham, from Sussex Meat Packing, corn on the cob, from Ideal Farms, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes and onions from black dirt of Pine Island, N.Y, complement the secret recipe coleslaw served at the famous dinner.
Generations of congregational cooks help prepare and serve the annual feast family style. Neighbors, friends and family converse over the yummy dessert cake.
"Folks who grew up in and near Beemerville tell me they come back here to find their anchor, to be reminded of our roots,” or as one parishioner said, "I can't wait to hear the stories of the old days from my great-uncle and be with my Aunts again!" says Pastor Barry Young. "The Harvest Home Dinner is a community tradition."
Tickets may be purchased at the door — adults are $14 and children are $8.
The Beemerville Firehouse is located at 227 County Route 519 in Wantage.
Parking is free and handicap accessible. For more information, call the Beemerville Presbyterian Church at 973-875- 6760.