It's that time of year again to shell peanuts while jawing with fellow community members.
The 51st annual Loafer's Week in Auxvasse runs from Feb. 21-26 and offers a variety of menu items throughout the week. All events and meals will be held at the Auxvasse Community Hall. Each day, the hall will open at 8 a.m., lunch will be served between 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and the hall will remain open until around 4 p.m.
Loafer's Week began as a one-day event 51 years ago when the grain elevator in town invited local farmers to stop by for free peanuts, coffee and conversation.
Donal Knipp, secretary of the Auxvasse Lions Club, helps organize the event. He said when the event first began, this time of year was chosen since it's when crop farmers had free time to congregate. Knipp added that many people in the community and outside of it return to visit with family and old friends for Loafer's Week.
"It's just a great time to get together and visit with everyone," he said.
The Community Hall Association, which organizes the event, will draw a 50/50 raffle winner this year, and two $25 cash gifts, donated by United Security Bank, will also be given away. As part of the Loafer's tradition, free coffee, iced tea and peanuts will be available all week, and cards, dominos and board games will be on hand.
Dianna Huls, Auxvasse Community Hall secretary, said though some may not have time for the games, they are still welcome to stop in for the food.
"It's still fun just to come up and have a good meal and to see people in the community and visit," Huls said.
Six different organizations will provide meals during the week. The proceeds from the food will go to benefit each organization on their given day of providing a meal. Cost per meal is $6-$7.
Missy Hooks, president of the Community Hall, said the money the hall makes from the raffle and its meal day will go toward the cost of maintaining the building.
"It's our biggest fundraiser of the year," Hooks said.
Monday, Feb. 21, the Auxvasse Presbyterian Church kicks the week off with barbecued pulled pork. Tuesday the Fulton Masonic Lodge No. 48 will serve fried chicken. Wednesday the Callaway Senior Center is providing roast pork and dressing. Thursday the Auxvasse Community Hall will offer turkey and dressing. Friday the Auxvasse Fire Department has chili on the menu. The Auxvasse Lions Club will close out the week Saturday with its annual all-you-can-eat pancakes beginning at 8 a.m. and running until about noon.
"I just hope lots of people come and enjoy themselves and have a good time," Knipp said.