Annual free banquet is 25-year holiday time tradition
CARIBOU, Maine — For over two decades, the Knights of Columbus have hosted a free senior banquet involving copious amounts of food, bingo, and even live music. While food is typically served later in the afternoon, the Caribou K of C Hall was quickly filling up at noon last Sunday.
Event organizer and Deputy Grand Knight Gil Masse said the Knights of Columbus put this event together for seniors on a yearly basis, and they have done so for roughly 25 to 30 years.
“Everything here is free,” said Masse. “We do it for the community.”
Masse said the Knights had no problem organizing a 15-member crew for the Nov. 20 event.
“We start about a week or so ahead of time to make sure we have everything ready,” Masse added.
Layla Terwilliger, a County native who recently moved back from Wisconsin in March, made an old-fashioned carrot cake for the event.
“The cake has carrots, homemade cream cheese frosting, and walnuts on top,” Terwilliger said. “I know Gil has done this event every year for many years so I offered to donate a cake for him. He’s done so much for everyone here, and now it’s my turn to donate something for him.”
Masse said there was a “misunderstanding” with the event’s advertising and that he hoped to see a large turnout, since the event is always the week before Thanksgiving.
“A lot of people are coming in already, so hopefully we fill out the place,” Masse said.
Head Chef David Stewart worked with a small crew for about a week before the event preparing food. Stewart says community businesses like Reno’s Family Restaurant and Hannaford helped provide some of the food.
“I enjoy seeing the look on their faces when they’re here,” Stewart said. “That’s why I do it.”
Stewart said he will continue to cook for the senior banquet as long as he can.
“If anybody leaves here hungry, it’s not my fault,” Stewart said.
VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Patricia Edgecomb was among the many guests in attendance.
“Gil puts on the best Christmas party for the seniors,” said Edgecomb. “It’s so nice of him to do this, everybody enjoys it. This room is going to be packed full.”
Edgecomb said she missed last year’s banquet since she was in rehab, and that she made it a point to come this year.
“I’ve been coming for the past 10 years,” Edgecomb said. “I’d like to have it continue going because it’s a good thing for the seniors here.”
