By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com
Oct 23, 2023 Updated Nov 30, 2023
“This is our big fall fundraiser. It drives everything we do,” Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club President Greg Gerou said about the 34th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker.
Gerou gave that reminder Saturday, Oct. 21, before a growing crowd at the Wahpeton Community Center. As they have for more than 30 years, Southern Red River Valley residents came out to support local youth programs, wildlife projects and Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton.
“I think the mission of the club is really what drives it,” Gerou said leading up to the Smoker. “We’re focusing on getting youth outdoors locally, in Wahpeton, Breckenridge and the two counties. When people ask what we do with the money, we say it stays here. It stays local. The other side of it is that we work very hard to make this a fun night. There are a lot of things going on that people can enjoy.”
Fun was had in a variety of ways, from exciting table games to the thrill of browsing and bidding on silent auction items. When guests wanted to take a break from the marketplace and gaming, they could enjoy hearty wild game chili and wild game stew, as well as socializing.
“A lot of what we’re doing on that night is driven by local people and businesses when they’re donating. It’s local products that people are familiar with and have a use for,” Gerou said previously.
