The Wesley Center at Grace United Methodist Church was teeming with a few avid hunters along with many who just enjoy a good time and good food at the Wild Game Dinner last Saturday night.

There were items to be purchased in a silent auction as well as a live auction, headed up by "auctioneer" Lark Jones. The North Augusta mayor began bidding with a disclaimer that he wouldn't be using the trademark auctioneer "fastspeak"; however, he did give a brief demonstration that indicated he was capable of such.

Among the items up for bid were several hunting and fishing trips, along with prints and, perhaps the prize of the night, an over-and-under double-barreled shotgun.

The evening's delicacies included jalapeno venison bite hors d'oeuvres, which were followed up with everything from venison stew to country-fried venison steak, meatloaf of venison and wild boar, dove, quail and, for the less adventuresome, a little "tame game" in the form of boiled shrimp, jalapeno grits and regular Brunswick stew. And for those whose palates tend toward a more youthful taste, the children's table offered chicken fingers, fries and macaroni and cheese.

Manning the grill where the dove and quail were grilled were Ben Watson and Carl Rogers.

The dinner featured a backdrop of music by Doug and the Henrys, as folks wandered through the silent auction offerings, including a chance to win a number of restaurant gift certificates and a group of themed baskets.

The effort was headed up this year by Debbie Yano, who with the help of many volunteers, provided a night of food, fun and fellowship.

The Wild Game Dinner brought in about $7,000 total, with around 200 folks attending. The funds, said Beverly Blevins, will be used for the upcoming 2012 Windows Retreat for both church members and others in the community, as well as in the Leisure Ministry program at Grace.

For more information on the Wild Game Dinner or any other programs at Grace UMC, call 279-7525.