Archery is the theme for this year’s Sportsmen’s Banquet at Salem Church, Lenhartsville, on Saturday, April 21. Competitive archer Zena Ross will be featured speaker at the sixth annual event. Advance ticket purchases are required.
Ross is just 18 but has already built up an impressive resume. Her archery career began when she was just five years old, and she won her first state championship three years later.
Cori Dixon, a member of Salem, chairs the annual event which is sponsored by the church’s Outdoors Group. She invited Ross to speak after hearing about her from last year’s banquet speaker, trapper Brian Mohn.
“She’s been Pennsylvania’s state champ for 10 consecutive years and holds over 30 records,” Dixon says. “so I’m excited to meet Zena, personally. It’s quite an accomplishment for her to be 18 and have all those records.
“Plus, I always enjoy the fellowship and opening the doors to other people in the community.
Pastor Dave Long agreed. “It’s a great family event, and a lot of fun for anyone who loves the outdoors.”
Long and his family have attended the banquet every year, and he said friends and family from out of the area like to attend as well.
“We enjoy the interaction around the table,” he said, “and the time of fellowship with other people who enjoy spending time in God’s beautiful creation.”
Doors to the banquet will open at 5 p.m. on April 21. At the time, attendees are welcome to try archery for themselves. The church’s gym has an indoor archery range, including targets, compound bows and all other elements needed to shoot competitive-style in a safe setting.
Salem has the range in place as part of their Centershot ministry. Centershot is a competitive archery program with weekly classes held year round. Beginning and competitive archers are welcome from ages 10 to adult. For details about Centershot, call the church office at 610-562-5033.
Door prizes are another big draw to banquet attendees. Dixon notes that the banquet committee is putting together outdoor-themed packages, including a grand prize related to archery.
The evening will also include outdoors decor, such as wildlife mounts throughout the building, and a hot buffet provided by Kathryn’s Katering. Church members will donate homemade desserts.
Advance purchase of meal tickets is required. Those 3 and under can eat free. To reserve tickets to the 6th Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet, please contact the church office by April 15. Tickets are not available at the door. Call Salem staff at 610-562-5033, email wearesalemchurch@gmail.com or via Facebook page, www.FB.com/WeAreSalem.
