Fourth Annual Turkey Dinner Draws Together Ford Car Clubs

By John Emmering

Eager antique Ford devotees from all over the area converged on the Elburn Lions Club on Sunday November 5^th to experience an early Thanksgiving turkey feast courtesy of the Illinois Region of the Model “A” Restorers Club.  The sight of two rows of Model “A” Fords and a vintage Thunderbird that had braved the brief morning rain shower signaled to those arriving at the Lions Club parking lot that this was indeed the right place. The 4^th Annual Turkey Dinner attracted 133 guests drawn from ten antique Ford Automobile Clubs, with our own Early Ford V-8 Club of America Northern Illinois Regional Group included. 

Entering the Lions club dining area participants were greeted by their hosts and hostesses from the Illinois Region of M.A.R.C. who issued decorative name tags identifying the guest’s club affiliation with an ornate symbol.  A small maple leaf identified members of the N.I.R.G.  An attractive dash plaque commemorating the dinner was also presented to each couple. Our members who checked in for the dinner were Ron Dopke with Bernice Short, John & Robin Emmering, John Judge with his friend Yolanda, Michael & Grace Mohawk and Len & Irene Vineyard.

With big band music of the 1940’s as background and the cash bar open for business, several of our group gathered at a table for conversation over refreshments.  It was also nice to meet and converse with members from some of the other car clubs and to chat with acquaintances from some of these organizations.  

As the buffet tables were opened our N.I.R.G. group waited patently until our group was called forward to steaming trays of mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, gravy and turkey.  With plates piled high with turkey and trimmings our group returned to the table to enjoy the meal.

The founders of the feast were Dan & Melinda Pritchard, long time members of the Illinois Region of the Model “A” Restorers Club.  The hard work and preparation of the couple in making the arrangements, booking the guests and preparing the decorations was greatly appreciated by those participating.  As the event wound up Dan & Melinda reminded all in attendance that the event will be held again next year on Sunday, November 4, 2018.  N.I.R.G. members are encouraged to consider attending next year and with better weather perhaps we can display our Ford V-8s for the other car groups to admire.