Ironton tradition will be from 1-5 p.m.

For the Ironton Catholic Schools, its one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. For many in the community, it’s a not-to-be-missed annual event that is equal parts food and fellowship.

The annual turkey dinner, sponsored by the Ironton Catholic Schools Support Organization, is 1-5 p.m. Sunday in the St. Joseph Church undercroft.

Ironton Catholic Schools Development Director Sissy Clyse said each year, 1,800 to 2,000 people line up to eat a turkey dinner with all the trimmings either at the church or by takeout meal. All of the preparation is done by volunteers, among them parents, students, school faculty and staff and supporters within the community.

“We have five shifts,” she said. “We have people who help set up, turkey pickers, people who serve and clean up afterward. “We appreciate the volunteerism.”

Even the St. Lawrence Elementary students pitch in, making table decorations.

To feed that many people requires 2,000 pounds of turkey, 250 loaves of bread (all the stuffing is homemade), and 112 institutional-sized cans of green beans, not to mention the potatoes, gravy, rolls and desserts.

This year the dinner will also feature a shopper’s extravaganza in the St. Joseph High School gymnasium. Clyse said 12- 14 vendors will be on hand, selling everything from jewelry to Mary Kay products to Longaberger products.

Those who want to attend the bazaar may enter the gym from the alley side doors.

The cost of the dinner is $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Clyse said for more than 30 years, the community has been very supportive of the turkey dinner and she appreciates that support.

“This is more of a community event,” she said. “We have people who come and eat who have no affiliation to the school. We have a lot of people politicking. We’re blessed to be supported by the community as a whole.”