Encampment Beef Committee Community Picnic

The Encampment Beef Committee was started over 50 years ago by Young Jim York. Jerry Kraft said that York started the Encampment Beef Committee because he felt they needed something more for the Encampment 4H kids that weren't getting the big sales at fair and to make more scholarships available, to new graduates as well as students in their Junior and Senior years. Kraft said that when York passed away, he was asked to help with the Beef Committee financials.

Every year they have a prime rib dinner for the members of the Encampment Beef Committee.This year the attendance was at least 100 diners.

The beef, raised by Kaben Pickett was purchased and auctioned off at the community picnic. Clyde Johnson also donated a pig he bought at fair for the auction.

Jason Swedlund served up guitar and banjo picking' and sang a few tunes to keep everyone entertained.

Kevin Wiant was the auctioneer for the night, doing a fantastic job with Jay Ward and Nick Wamsley.

Betsy Christianson was always the organizer/planner for the annual community picnic and auction. When Adrianne Wagnon moved back to Encampment, Christianson encouraged her to join the Beef Committee. Wagnon did join and this year she was asked to help with the planning, ordering and preparation. The members brought side dishes and Jim McKinney grilled burgers. Fun was had by all and the money raised will all go toward the scholarships and buying a fair animal.

Shelby Hiser is also a major contributor to the success of this annual event. Hiser sends out fliers to the members and handles the prime rib dinner preparations.