Tradition Continues With 72nd Annual Coon Supper
by January 10, 2015 11:02 pm 115 views
Jordan Bontke with our content partner, KATV Ch. 7, reports:
The 72nd annual Gillett Coon Supper brought hundreds to southeast Arkansas, including some newly elected political faces.
Some may call the supper a mandatory event for Arkansas politicians. Since this year isn’t an election year, the politicians who made the trek to Gillett thanked those who voted for them.
The tradition has grown over the years. Some start early at the Pre-Coon Supper reception at the Marion Berry Family farm shop. With live music, plenty of drinks and social atmosphere, the reception intends to raise money for a scholarship fund to Arkansas State University.
“It’s always good for people to meet the politicians they voted with a chance to thank them one on one,” said outgoing Arkansas House of Representatives chief of staff Gabe Holmstrom.
On the menu this year was coon, baby-back ribs, brisket, rice, sweet potatoes, and cake. The Coon Supper is put on by the Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club; a non-profit with no political affiliation. Cook and Treasurer, Larry Bauer, estimates the supper will raise over $10,000 for various efforts like school and summer programs, endowment funds and scholastic awards.
More than 800 people came inside a Gillett auditorium to enjoy a plate of coon and ribs. Bauer said the tradition started after the depression when farmer couldn’t afford much else besides what they killed themselves. The tradition quickly became a draw to politicians seeking office.
“They knew they could come here after the first of year for the political season to meet a lot of registered voters from southeast Arkansas,” said Bauer.
Some political faces who attended were Democrat Clarke Tucker, State Representative for District 35, and Republican Jeremy Gillam of District 45, the Speaker-Designate.
“Now that the election is over, I think it’s important for everyone to come together to work and govern. I wanted to come see everybody who was here, and see this part of Arkansas,” said Tucker.
“I think it’s important for elected officials and public servants to stay connected and this is a perfect way to do that,” said Gillam.
Also, Republican Senator John Boozman came to enjoy coon.
“When I go back to congress and talk to my friends, not many people can relate to the coon supper,” said Senator Boozman.
Watch Bontke’s full video report and add your comments to the KATV web site at this link.