SIKESTON - Things are getting wild this weekend in Sikeston.
The congregation of the Sikeston First Assembly of God has transformed the church's multipurpose building into a hunter's paradise for its annual Wildlife Supper on Friday and Saturday. Over the past three weeks, volunteers have put together cabin fronts, lined walls with wild game mounts and live evergreen trees and even built a mountain.
Ron Blackburn estimated there are about 50 different mounts - from ducks and does to turkeys and trout - featured. Many of the game mounts belong to members of the church, others such as a growling black bear, are donated for the weekend.
"I've been to several (similar events) around the area and no one goes to the extreme of decorating that we do," Allen Small said as he surveyed their work.
The event is expected to draw some 275 people each night. Friday night is set aside for hunters only, while Saturday is open to the general public.
"It's very popular with hunters, especially hungry hunters," said John McHaffie, pastor of Sikeston First Assembly of God.
"Most hunters are always hungry," quipped Blackburn.
Having moved to Sikeston in June, McHaffie explained, "I'm being inaugurated into the world of wildlife."
For McHaffie the weekend is an opportunity to foster relationships with men and with families in the community. He also hopes it is an opportunity for those attending to build relationships as they sit together around the tables.
"I hope it is not quiet in here," said McHaffie. "I hope to hear laughter break out and lots of 'I remember when.' (Dinner talk) is one of the the things missing from our current culture - we are so busy all the time. I hope to hear a rumbling of conversation that just takes off."
In addition to lots of food - there will be samples of crappie, venison, rabbit and chicken wings passed around as well as the meal which features pork loin, chicken and catfish - the evening will include special speakers.
On Friday, Bryan Butters of Cape Girardeau is the featured presenter. McHaffie described Butters as an avid hunter and "a godly man." On Saturday, they will welcome interim Sikeston Department of Public Safety Director Mike Williams.
Those attending will hear from two youth hunters. Church Youth Director Gordon Clark will interview Ian Blackburn on Friday while Justin Church will take the stage Saturday.
According to McHaffie both evenings will feature the comedy team Bob and Rob. He described the pair as "a mischievous duo with far-fetched ideas that are never right."
Also Saturday includes a performance by the Christian band, Zach Zook and the Misfits.
For those who can't make it Friday or Saturday evening, McHaffie said they are welcomed from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday when the congregation will hold a special praise and worship service in the multipurpose building. McHaffie dubbed the service, guy talk, explaining they will hear two hunters and fisherman "tell tale tales of hunting and fishing and their relationship with the Lord" which will be followed by a lunch of the leftovers from the previous nights' banquets.
Jerry Herring estimated he has attended at least 10 of the wildlife suppers but that first one is still the most memorable.
According to Herring, his son invited him to attend so he drove in from Kansas City where he was working at the time. While he was the winner of a shotgun that night, Herring came away with much more.
"It was an inspiring moment for me. That is what brought me to this church," he said.
Noting that there will be a shotgun given away again this year, Herring added, "This is open to people of any faith. We hope people who are looking for a church home will come. This is our outreach to touch and bring people to the Lord."