Special to the
Opelika Observer
The Civitan Club of Auburn will continue a 48-year holiday tradition by smoking turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, Civitans smoked 120 turkeys and 90 hams at the Elks Club smoking pit on Opelika Road.
“Turkeys and hams will be available hot off the pit on Nov. 24 and again on Dec. 21. They are the most delicious $40 (smoked meats) you will find anywhere,” said Auburn Civitan Club President Kirk Iversen.
Orders can be placed with any Civitan member or by calling Laurel Hendrix at 334-545-0069. Customers are asked to leave their name, order (turkey or ham) and contact information. Both turkeys and hams are $40 each. Orders can be picked up at the smoking pit behind the Elks Club on Opelika Road after noon on Nov. 24 or after 2 pm on Dec. 21. All turkeys and hams must be pre-ordered.
Charles Mitchell, another Auburn Civitan, has been involved in smoking turkeys for more than 28 years. He says the best part of the ham is what’s left after all has been consumed.
“Don’t forget the bone from the smoked hams. Save this to season your holiday collard greens or turnips, or freeze it to cook later with your New Year’s Day black-eyed peas and collard greens,” Mitchell said. “It converts a ho-hum dish into a gourmet meal.”
The Auburn Civitan Club is part of Civitan International, a civic club headquartered in Birmingham. Funds raised from this annual event help civitans support projects for children and adults with disabilities including the Civitan International Research Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin and Special Olympics. The Civitan Club of Auburn also provides the American flags that are displayed in downtown Auburn on holidays and is a sponsor of the Bicycle Safety Program in Auburn City Schools and Auburn’s annual Bike Bash. Civitans meet regularly at local restaurants for interesting programs that help to build good citizenship.