Local bears, deer and fish always have one night of the year that they’re celebrated most in Bryson – and that’s the night that local Lions pile guests’ plates high with the animals done up in all sorts of delectable methods.

The Bryson Lions’ Club had their hotly anticipated and much-loved Wildlife Supper on Saturday night, serving up everything from their famous sea pie and bear balls to venison, trout, bass and more.

“[The club] started this in 1976 with just a few members getting together,” said Ed Gutoskie, Lions member, event organizer and the evening’s emcee. “We now have to restrict it to 200 guests, because there’s so many who want to come.”

It’s an event so popular, Gutoskie said, that every year they have to turn people away. Guests will begin calling in November to make sure they’re first to hear of when ticket sales begin, so they can ensure they have their seat on the big night.

Sure enough, the hall was packed on Saturday as folks waited with hulking appetites and salivating palates for their table to be called and plates piled high. To keep some semblance of order and protect against stampedes, Gutoskie draws the table to be served at random, causing some to cheer and others to groan.

The level of anticipation is understandable, as guests travel in from Montreal, Cornwall, Barry’s Bay, Peterborough and elsewhere, often only on trusting the whispers of a friend on just how unique the meal is. That’s because the menu is never the same year-to-year, changing depending on what’s been donated, who’s preparing it, and what combinations can be made.

“As a result of that, you never know what you’re going to prepare until all of [the food] is in here,” said Gutoskie, as he stood in the hall’s kitchen.

Still, guests don’t leave disappointed and are generally clamoring for their tickets to the next one.

One such family is the Ostroms, who’ve been attending for at least 10 years and have seen, at times, 30 members of their clan turn out.

While they only managed 24 this year, their presence was made known with an entire table reserved for them, as members of the family came from Carp, Stittsville, Richmond, Ottawa and Carleton Place.

Rounding out the evening’s fun is the musical stylings of the Nelson Towns Band as well as draws for over 70 prizes donated from the community. Everything from practical work gloves, hats and a gun case were available, on top of over two dozen gift certificates for local businesses.

“It’s not only Lions,” said Gutoskie, of getting everything ready for their biggest fundraiser. “There’s a lot of help from the community in terms of volunteers helping organize and do the work.”

Pictured, an example of a full plate at the Wildlife Supper. Beyond the bear balls, beans, trout and sea pie seen here, there was much more to be piled on.

The evening’s menu had a little something for everyone.

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