Harsens Island "RAT" (Muskrat) Dinner Review
(2nd Tuesday of February)
As always, gourmands of this delicacy arrived early (long before the announced door opening) to enjoy the finest "rats" in all of Michigan.
Unfortunately, no active or retired Island Lion or Lioness Lion recalls the date of the first Annual Harsens Island Lions Rat Dinner. One thing is certain however, Lions and Lionesses started the event sometime in the late '40's or early '50's suggesting that this was most likely our 60th (+4 or -2) special dinner.
Our guests enjoy this annual dinner and eagerly compete for the many raffle prizes donated by local and area residents and businesses.
From tools to hunting and fishing gear including a weapon or two, the raffles support our charitable donations to community and Lions International causes.
As the story goes, the "rats" are prepared according to an "old Indian recipe" passed on to the latest "fryers and roasters". But, the preparations start the Saturday morning before the day (2nd Tuesday in February) of the feast. Lions and their helpers see to it that the "rats" are ready for the three processing phases guaranteeing the finest dinner serving as seen on the collage below.
Top left: Lion Gerry at the door.
Top right: Lion Dave B. surveying our guests milling about.
Center left: Guests waiting for dinner.
Bottom left: Full tray - ready to be served.
Bottom right: Some of the raffle prizes.
Annual Turkey Shoot
Labor Day Weekend
The festivities begin Saturday morning with an "Antique Boat Parade" passing along the shore line of the South Channel in Sans Souci at 10:00AM followed at 11:00AM by a Street Parade from St. Marks Church to the Harsens Island Field at 230 LaCroix. After a short flag raising ceremony the Lions and Lioness Lions clubs provide entertainment for young and old with trap shooting from 1:00PM till 7:00PM every day competitively and for practice. Food, refreshments, games for children, Bingo, music, and raffles are just a few of the highight to be enjoyed.
