Featured local event

On a crisp Friday evening in Kernersville, something special begins at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church. Under the picnic shelter at the corner of Highway 66 and Bunker Hill-Sandy Ridge Road, a group of dedicated men gather around massive pots, wooden spoons in hand, ready to begin an all-night vigil that has become a beloved community tradition for more than 15 years.

The United Methodist Men's Brunswick Stew Fundraiser is more than meal preparation. It's a testament to dedication, community spirit and the power of neighbors coming together for a greater cause.

"The men start on Friday evening under our picnic shelter with an open flame fire and also a gas fire," explains Debbi Vandy, a member of Bunker Hill United Methodist Church. "They'll be putting all the ingredients into the pots, the huge pots for the stew, and they'll stand there, and they'll stir it. And they do this the entire night."

That's right. The entire night. While most of Kernersville sleeps, these volunteers take turns stirring 400 to 425 quarts of Brunswick stew, making sure each batch reaches perfection by Saturday morning. The fundraiser has become so popular that loyal customers mark their calendars months in advance and watch Facebook and local publications for the announcement.

The support flows both ways. Farmer's Hardware has become an essential partner in the tradition, donating all the propane needed to fuel the burners for every stew event. That generosity means more of the proceeds can go directly to people in need.

Held twice a year, typically in February and again in October or November, the Brunswick Stew Fundraiser is the primary funding source for the United Methodist Men's charitable work. The impact reaches well beyond the fundraising numbers.

"It's just the camaraderie of our men," Vandy says. "It's a span of generations. It could be the young youth in our church coming with their dads, who are there with their dads, and even could be some grandfathers in there. So, it just brings our men together. It brings our church together."

That multi-generational participation creates something rare: a living tradition where knowledge, values and community spirit pass from grandfather to father to son. The younger members learn not only how to make Brunswick stew, but also the importance of service, dedication and showing up for your community.

The money raised through stew sales supports specific charities the United Methodist Men contribute to each year, but the program is flexible enough to respond to needs as they arise. Whether it's a family facing an unexpected hardship, an individual going through a difficult time or an organization serving the community, the men stand ready to help.

"They give to whatever group, family, individual, or organization they feel has a need when it arises," Vandy explains. That responsive approach means the fundraiser's impact ripples through Kernersville in ways both seen and unseen.

The stew itself has earned quite a reputation. "Number one, it's really tasty," Vandy says with a smile. "And number two, I think the time that we've been doing it over the years and the dedication of our United Methodist men that they put into it, what it means and brings to our community from our church is very meaningful to us, and it's packed with lots of love and care."

The fundraiser's exact origins predate Vandy's time at Bunker Hill, but she notes the church is "steeped in tradition," with many families who have attended for generations. The stew sale grew naturally out of that culture of service, started years ago as a way to raise important funds while bringing people together.

The selling process reflects the community's enthusiasm. Pre-sales begin a couple of months before each event, with regular customers securing their quarts well in advance. The church also welcomes walk-up customers on sale day, the folks who have been watching for the announcement and wouldn't dream of missing their favorite Brunswick stew.

The fall sale is set for Saturday, Oct. 24. Pickup begins at 12 noon at the church picnic shelter, and the stew is $10 a quart. To pre-order, call the church office at (336) 993-8132 or Kevin Siler at (336) 215-4573, or see any member of the United Methodist Men. Want to lend a hand? Friday, Oct. 23 is prep day, and volunteers can contact Kevin Siler for details.

The next sale after this one is expected in February. The church stays busy in between, including its annual Halloween Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31, another chance to welcome neighbors.

"We are always welcoming anybody new that wants to come in and experience that love," Vandy says. The Brunswick Stew Fundraiser isn't just for church members or longtime residents. It's for anyone who wants a delicious meal while supporting a cause that gives back to Kernersville.

When those volunteers gather under the picnic shelter, stirring through the long night, they're cooking up more than Brunswick stew. They're strengthening family bonds, passing down traditions, raising money for neighbors in need and showing what it means to be part of a community that cares.

"It's put together with a lot of love," Vandy reflects. "It's put together for our community and the people of our church should they have any problems that arise. It's our way of serving, or it's their way of serving the church, the community, and the needs of others."

In a world that often feels disconnected, there's something profound about an all-night stew session. It's a reminder that the best things take time, dedication and a willingness to show up for each other, even when that means staying awake until dawn with a wooden spoon in your hand.

So on Saturday, Oct. 24, stop by Bunker Hill United Methodist Church at Highway 66 and Bunker Hill-Sandy Ridge Road any time after noon, pick up a few quarts, and taste the difference that 15 years of tradition and a whole lot of community love can make.