St. Martin's sets chicken barbecue for July 8

Article and Photos by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church’s 2023 version of the annual chicken barbecue and basket raffle, scheduled for 3-7 p.m. July 8, will feature something old and something new.

A preview of the basket raffle is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. on July 6 and 7.

In addition, a pair of season tickets for Shea’s Performing Arts Center is being raffled off.

The something old will be a return to the event as it was held before COVID restrictions were put in place for the 2021 barbecue.

“While we were happy to be able to continue to host a limited chicken barbecue during COVID by offering drive-thru options, the opportunity for fellowship is a large part of what we value about the annual barbecue. We are so happy to once again be able to extend our hospitality to the Grand Island community,” said the Rev. Nicholas Evancho, priest-in-charge of the church.

The new thing is a pavilion, built behind the church, a new structure to replace the two tents that were used to create space for an eating area, as well as for the basket raffle.

On July 2, the pavilion will be formally dedicated at a 9 a.m. service, which will be held inside the pavilion.

“The new pavilion will allow everything to be under the same roof and will provide greater space to accommodate more guests,” Evancho said. “It is a great addition to the church and will help us to host outdoor fellowship events and services, including the annual chicken barbecue. Hopefully, it will also expand our opportunities for worship and will allow us to provide more events to bond as a community.

“I hope to be able to provide an opportunity for not only the St. Martin's community to come together but to reach out to the greater Grand Island community and show what St. Martin's has to offer.”

The cost of the meal, including dessert, is $15. Free meals are available for veterans.

At the 2022 chicken barbecue, the Rev. Nicholas Evancho wears a sombrero covered with lottery tickets.