I’On Community Stew November 17-18

This in from William Hamilton -

The fifth annual I’On Community Stewcook will be held from Saturday, November 17 to Sunday, November 18 in Avant Garden at the SW Corner of Westlake.
Preparation of the 40 gallon Brunswick Style stew in the century old White Family heirloom pot takes all night under the supervision of Stewmaster John White and his assistant Stewmasters. Neighbors donate ingredients. Always difficult to get are the 5 to 10 pounds of venison needed and firewood. You can look up the recipe and track progress on getting ingredients donated through the www.ionbiznet.com website.
This year the cook begins with Saturday evening Chili and traditional cornmeal hoecakes at 5:30. Consider a dinner and a Movie at the Stewcook and Indiana Jones Screen on the Green Movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark later that evening at 6:30.
Preparation of the Stew takes all night. Everyone’s invited to visit and socialize around the fire. Call John White 884-6335 to become an Assistant Stewmaster or Chilimonger.
We’ll have web updates on the Stewcook Blog throughout the event and maybe the webcam will work this year (We’re 2/2 on that part of the project). All online and interactive content can be accessed through the BizNet website, www.ionbiznet.com.
After over 18 hours in the pot, the rich, smooth stew is served to all comers starting about 1 pm Sunday. After everyone’s fed, you’re welcome to take some home for the Freezer.
As part of the cook this year, a collection of canned Chili, Stew and other canned goods will be made for the I’On Trust’s Community in Acti’on project to benefit East Cooper Community Outreach.
Cooking the stew has been a tradition on the White family farm in North Carolina for over a century and the same huge iron pot is brought to I’On every year for use here. It’s stirred with a wooden paddle and covered with a sheet metal “Cat Guard.” The origin of the term, “Cat Guard” is a closely guarded White Family secret. The first I’On Community Stewcook in 2003 was reported nationally on CNN. The event is held rain or shine and the pot is guarded all night. Non resident family and friends, as well as everyone at the School and Churches are all welcome. There is enough for all. The cook traditionally kicks off the Holiday season in I’On.

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