Berry Pre-Coon Supper reception planned for Jan. 11

The 13th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held on January 11 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett.

“The Coon Supper has been a long-standing tradition in Gillett,” said Mitch Berry. “We continue to be proud for the Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception to be associated with such a legacy. Over the past 12 years, we have been able to raise $228,000 for public service-related scholarships at Arkansas State University. My parents have dedicated their lives to public service and knew the importance of investing in the next generation. We look forward to honoring them at this year’s event.”

The Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship is awarded to qualifying Arkansas State University students who show an interest in public policy and public service.

The 2024 scholarship recipients were Casen May, Sarai Stubblefield, and Lindsey Lancaster. May and Stubblefield were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship to participate in The Washington Center (TWC) Academic Internship Summer Program in Washington, D.C. Lancaster was awarded $2,000 to intern in U.S. Sen. John Boozman’s Jonesboro office.

Founding hosts of the reception are Campbell Ward, JPJ Consulting, Mitch Berry, Woosley Gaming Advisors, and Wright Lindsey Jennings.

The Gillett Coon Supper is hosted by the Gillett Farmers and Businessman’s Club and has long been a required stop on the Arkansas political circuit. Politicians are tested on their political acumen by their wiliness to eat the smoked raccoon.

The 81st Gillett Coon Supper will follow the Berry reception at the Gillett School Gymnasium.

To attend the Pre-Coon Supper reception, go to this link. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Tyler Place at 870-830-4422.