Peter Smith
Published online September 23, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES — The annual St. Alphonsus Parish supper drew a large crowd Sunday, September 20, as volunteers served 1,100 home-cooked turkey dinners with all the trimmings at the Upper Pontiac Sports Complex.
Preparations began several days before the event, with volunteers peeling potatoes and carrots, carving turkeys, setting tables and completing the many other tasks needed to feed the crowd.
This year’s supper was dedicated to longtime parish volunteer Henry Sallafranque, who died in May in his 99th year. A photo collage celebrating his life and contributions to the community was displayed in the arena throughout the day.
Doors opened at noon, with a steady stream of patrons arriving throughout the afternoon. By 4 p.m., the crowd had grown considerably, with the lineup stretching from the food tables to outside the Sports Complex. At one point, roughly 100 people were waiting to be served.
The rush continued until about 5:30 p.m., when volunteers finally had an opportunity to sit down and enjoy their own meals.
Young people from the community were among the many volunteers, serving tea and coffee while others cooked vegetables, cleared and reset tables, cut homemade pies, sold tickets and kept the supper running smoothly.
The event also featured a silent auction with more than 70 prizes, as well as raffle and 50/50 draws.
Raffle winners included Carmel Chartrand and Jason Ellsworth, who each won $500; Cobe Rabb and Kim Collin, who each received $300; Maryann Kelly, who won $150; and Tony Jacyno and Levi Drapeau, who each won $100.
The prizes were donated by Caisse Desjardins des Rivières de Pontiac, St. Alphonsus Parish, M. Kidd & Sons Ltd., Pembroke Glass, Lepine’s Garage, Hayes Funeral Home and George’s Regal Beagle.
Nancy Chaput won the 50/50 draw, worth more than $1,000.
The total proceeds from this year’s parish supper were not available by press time.
Members of the community awaits in line at the St.Alphonsus Parish Supper
