By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Organizers of a community appreciation night in Marion’s Central Park gave out more than 315 plates of pulled pork, potato salad, and chips Friday.

“We know we fed at least 315 people,” organizer Roger Schroeder said. “We were really pleased with the turnout.”

Many who lined up for the meals, which were donated by Carlsons’ Grocery, put more than two servings on a plate to make it easier to carry, so he knows turnout was even higher.

St. Luke Hospital’s food supplier provided ice cream. The appreciation night was sponsored by local businesses.

“The event itself was an effort to have something for people in our community to come and do,” Schroeder said. “We have lacked that over these past 19 months because of COVID.”

A dinky duck raffle, usually held during Chingawassa Days, sold $2,700 in tickets.

Schroeder estimated expenses at $900. Organizers bought prizes from 25 city merchants to boost the economy.

“We said if we did get to our goal of breaking even, we would be happy,” he said. Any proceeds will go to the St. Luke Foundation.

A last-minute offer from city fire chief Killough to turn a fire truck into a giant sprinkler was a hit with children who played in the water.

It almost didn’t happen, Schroeder said.

Killough tried to reach Schroeder for days with no luck because the only cell phone number the fire chief had was old.

Killough finally reached him Friday.

“I am glad he called,” Schroeder said. “And I am thankful he was willing to do it.”