In 1964 the mothers of the Cranfills Gap Lions football team members had repaired uniforms for about the last time they could. Ideas were discussed for fund-raising to purchase new uniforms. The Lutefisk Supper was served for years at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church by members but was discontinued a few years before this. Plans were made, fish was prepared, food was cooked. The mothers of those players and the entire community of Cranfills Gap came together to make sure that the Cranfills Gap Lions would be playing in new uniforms the next season.
Today the children and grandchildren of some of those athletes still take part in this event that is sponsored by the Cranfills Gap Lions Booster Club. Somewhere through the years it had begun to be called the Lutefisk Dinner. Whatever it is called, it is a true community working together to better what is available to the students of Cranfills Gap ISD. Donations of food and time and even some expertise in lutefisk preparation makes this all possible.
Tickets for the 57th Annual Lutefisk Dinner are available for purchase at the First Security State Bank locations in Cranfills Gap, Clifton, and Meridian and also at Gap Tractor Parts. Adult tickets are $22 while children 12 and under cost $11. Tickets can be purchased and mailed by calling 254-253-1210.
Upon arriving at the school on Saturday evening, December 3, 2022, the senior boys along with a couple of faculty members will direct guests in parking their cars. As you enter the gym, you will meet two ladies who will greet you and ask to see your tickets so that they can put a number on the back and return them to you. Several local church groups and others will have booths set up selling baked goods, Lutefisk t-shirts, jellies, and craft items. The students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades will perform traditional Norwegian dances learned in their fine arts and physical education classes to entertain guests. When your number on your ticket is called, you will be led to the cafeteria for your meal. Six tables are set for 20 diners each. Your hostess will get you set as students begin to bring drinks and bowls of food. It is a family-style meal served by junior high and high school students. They will do everything they can to assure that you have an enjoyable time and eat enough to make sure you sleep well that night. The menu includes lutefisk, boiled potatoes, white cream sauce, melted butter, turkey and dressing, green beans, and homemade bread. Homemade pies and coffee will cap off the meal. It has been said, “If you don’t know the people you are sitting with when you get there, you will by the time you finish.” For those who know they would like to purchase lutefisk for their holiday meals, it is for sale for $17/lb for soaked fish or $38/lb for the dried fish.
More information may be found on the Cranfills Gap Lutefisk Dinner Facebook page or by calling 254-253-1210.
