Local NWTF Chapter Cooks Up a Good Time at Annual Redneck Barbecue

The barbecue began during the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as volunteers were craving the opportunity to see each other and continue hosting their annual fundraising event. To comply with social distancing requirements, the chapter had the idea of hosting an outdoor barbecue. It was such a success that it’s become an annual tradition everyone looks forward to.

“It’s not your traditional brick and mortar banquet,” said Rich LaValley, Capital Region Strutters’ Chapter president. “It was a really fun day. So many people go to traditional banquets that this feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s relaxing.”

NWTF banquets are a tradition and without them, volunteers wouldn’t have the opportunity to build strong communities all across the country. Hosting events that expand on that idea is a refreshing opportunity to continue that legacy, while creating space for new folks to learn about the organization’s mission and experience the life changing power of the outdoors.

The draw is that all food at the barbecue is homemade by the chapter committee, making the day feel personal, gathering friends and family all united by their shared love of the outdoors. LaValley and his wife, Ida “Meg” LaValley, made the barbeque sauce from scratch and cooked all the chicken themselves with the help of their committee members who took turns being pit masters. Other members donated homemade rolls, cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, desserts and more.

The local community has also been very supportive of the banquet, and this year local restaurants donated gift cards for raffles, and a local outfitter donated a $3,000 youth bear hunt with a 100% guarantee of a successful harvest. If not the first time, then he will continue taking the youth out.

“We have one guy that’s been going to NWTF banquets for over 30 years attend our event, and he told me this was by far his absolute favorite event because its different,” LaValley said.

Inviting other chapter members to his barbecue creates a network of volunteers in New England who support each other and learn from each other. LaValley has gone to other chapters’ banquets and invited them to his, which has created such a strong community.

“We were so happy to see new faces this year that heard about the event and actually came to support,” LaValley said. “They were amazed by how much fun the raffles were and how great the food was.”

LaValley and his committee have already cemented a date for next year’s barbecue and are eager to continue expanding and improving their event.

“As a regional director and fundraiser for the mission of the NWTF, I get to be a part of all sorts of different banquets, and the Redneck barbecue is a totally different vibe,” said Carter Heath, NWTF regional director for New England. “The Capital Region Strutters have set up an event here that has a very low overhead while offering attendees a very homey and comfortable feel. This, combined with getting some amazing donations and underwriting, has allowed them to have an event that is totally different, but that their guests can't wait to come back next year.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation   

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.