K of C ethnic supper deemed a cultural success

Jack Elliott

Sunday evening residents from across the District and Northern Minnesota enjoyed an Ethnic Supper buffet at the Parish Hall of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Rainy River. An army of volunteers spent a busy weekend hustling in and out of the hall, preparing and serving.
The buffet included local specialties including moose, venison and elk as well as exotic dishes from the far east like Tandoori chicken and Filipino egg rolls. European fare featured Hungarian goulash, German crepe rolls, Italian lasagne, Portuguese fish patties, French pork pie, Ukrainian pergogies and Polish cabbage rolls. The familiar tastes of home were represented by turkey, ham, potatoes and veggies.
A common question among both young and old was, “Man! How am I going to eat all this?”
Some attendees were experiencing their first year while others with more experience, recalled many visits, renewing old acquaintances.
“I was born here in 1936, but never lived here,” explained Les Helliar of Nestor Falls. “Dad had a bakery here and it burned down in February 1936, just before I was born.”
This was the second time the area Knights of Columbus have hosted what they hope will be an annual event. In a world troubled by ethnic tensions the Ethnic Supper is an effort by the K of C to promote peace and understanding and celebrate our multicultural heritages.
“I think it was a success and we certainly appreciate all the help we received and the folks who attended,” said convenor Wally Swerbus of the Knights of Columbus.