Gem Lions Hog Roast brings neighbors together for food, music and fellowship

Summer heat did little to dampen the community spirit at the annual Gem Lions Hog Roast on Aug. 26, as residents gathered at the Gem Community Building for a meal, live music and an evening with neighbors.

By 5:30 p.m., more than 100 people had gathered as the sun blazed overhead. A final attendance count was unavailable, though some guests estimated that more than 500 people attended throughout the event.

The hog roast, held each August, has been a community tradition for nearly 30 years, according to local resident Tracey Galli. It has become a fixture on calendars across Thomas County, drawing residents to support the Gem Lions Club.

Music filled the first hour as Colby instrument teacher Louis O’Brien brought students to perform on piano and violin. Their selections ranged from patriotic favorites to familiar movie songs.

Kemper Eisenbart performed “America the Beautiful” and “A Kerry Polka,” while Bailey Spresser played “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Be Our Guest.” Maria Hoppe performed “The Pink Panther,” “Linus and Lucy” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Emman Sacdalan played “Rocking Robin” and “The Purple People Eater,” and Yefim Biletskyi performed “Oompa Loompa Doop-a-Dee-Doo.” Autumn Martin played “Part of Your World,” and Adelynn Moss performed “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”

O’Brien followed the students with “The Wind that Shakes the Barley,” “Miss Manoghan” and “Take Me Home.”

Gary Winger and the Dirtband then entertained the crowd, bringing their familiar energy and inviting tunes to the outdoor stage near the building’s main entrance. The north side of the property was designated for horseshoes, which had its own crowd competing for bragging rights.

Inside the community building, representatives of the Colby/Thomas County Chamber served pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad and baked beans prepared by By Galli Catering. Individual bags of chips also were available, along with an assortment of donated pies, cakes and pastries supplied through the Gem Lions.

With young musicians sharing their talents, volunteers serving supper and neighbors gathering around the tables, the evening offered a reminder of the community ties that keep the August tradition going. For another year, the Gem Lions Club held a successful fundraiser.