Abingdon’s Wild Game Feed Returns for 8th Annual Potluck
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
Wild Game Feed 2024 crowd. Photo courtesy of David Crose from the Abingdon American Legion
The Wild Game Feed, an annual celebration of unique culinary creations and community support, is gearing up for its eighth annual feast held at the Abingdon American Legion. Set for this weekend, Saturday, February 8, beginning at noon and lasting until the food runs out, the event invites the public to join in a potluck-style feast featuring dishes as adventurous as they are delicious.
Past menus have included squirrel tacos, Italian beaver, BBQ wild boar, Sante Fe pheasant stew, and venison jambalaya, alongside turtle gumbo, dove jalapeño poppers, and a wide array of other creative dishes. The women with Feed My Lambs also supply various side dishes, as well as plentiful amounts of desserts perfect for indulging a sweet tooth after the big meal.
The Wild Game Feed began in 2017 as a “what are we going to do this weekend” event between David Crose and Phil and Nick Putnam. After the event, they decided to donate the funds raised to Feed My Lambs, a local nonprofit providing food assistance to families in need. What started as a modest idea with a free-will offering has grown into a community treasure, drawing hunters, fishermen, and food enthusiasts from across the area.
Feed My Lambs, operated by five Abingdon-area churches, delivers weekend snack packs during the school year, distributes holiday baskets, and offers summer grocery assistance and free lunches at Camp P.A.R.K. The organization also hosts a back-to-school picnic, providing meals and backpacks filled with school supplies.
Over the years, the Wild Game Feed’s impact has steadily grown. The inaugural event raised $340, but by 2024, the total reached $7,429—a testament to the generosity of the community and the event’s growing popularity. In total, more than $19,000 has been donated to Feed My Lambs.
The Old Birds, a local band known for their energetic covers of hits from the 1970s to today, will provide entertainment again this year, blending familiar tunes with original comedic creations.
“We are very proud of it,” Crose said as he shared that the three men began organizing the event in October. “We hope to raise another record amount of money for charity again this year!”
The Wild Game Feed is open to all, bring a dish or simply enjoy the food by giving a free will donation at the door. The event will be held at the Abingdon American Legion (546 State Rte. 41, Abingdon) and all proceeds will benefit Feed My Lambs and its mission to support families in need.