Crossway Church prepares for 14th Annual Critter Cooking

By Kaye Collins

Mark your calendars for the Crossway Church 14th Annual Critter Cooking on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2000 Highway 701 South in Loris. Guest speaker will be Pastor Jon Johnson from Cane Branch Baptist Church.

Anyone and everyone are welcome to the Critter Cooking event, where there is no cost for the meal and scheduled activities. It is remarkable how many individuals participate in this yearly gathering. The fellowship hall is filled with tables arranged for people to sit and enjoy their meals together. Many residents of Loris and nearby regions eagerly anticipate the Critter Cooking and look forward to a delicious meal.

Every year, hunters come together to prepare a meal for the residents of Loris and surrounding areas. In previous years, the menu featured fried wild turkey in both mild and Cajun styles, duck poppers with and without jalapenos, deer jerky and sausage, deer sliders with or without jalapenos, fried rabbit, wild hog stuffed jalapenos, dove, Richard’s wild hog barbeque, venison spaghetti, and a selection of fried fish including bream, striper, and catfish. In 2020, the offerings included bison and bear. The menu varies annually, providing a unique experience each year, unless you belong to a family of hunters who cook up their game for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For individuals who may be hesitant to try various game dishes, there will be standard options such as ham and rice, macaroni and cheese, and other alternatives. Additionally this marks the sixth year for all the culinary enthusiasts eager to showcase their skills. There will be a wild game chili cook-off that once was called, ‘Road Kill Chili Contest,’ which embraces a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ philosophy. It’s all about tasting the food and giving it a rating. Ask Mikey if he enjoys it. You are certain to relish a bite or two of every food item available.

The men rise early and begin their preparations on Saturday morning, cooking the main dishes while the ladies are in the kitchen preparing side dishes and brewing tea and making lemonade. At the back of the church, smokers, grills, and pots are set ablaze, with nearly 17 men engaged in cooking and sharing stories about their hunting experiences.

Activities feature 3D archery, clay shooting organized by the Darlington County Clay Slayers, a long shot archery competition, axe throwing, a designated kid’s area, and a pie bake-off. This year, there will also be a picnic table raffle and door prizes.

Venders who will set up are Crossway Commanders, Fowl Play Taxidermy, Lee knives, High Dollars Retrievers, Renzulli Baked Goods, Doxie Acre Goat Soaps, and so much more.

Jarrett Johnson, deacon and event coordinator for the Critter Cooking event, explained, “This event provides individuals with the chance to sample various foods obtained through hunting.” He also mentioned that it allows young people to understand how communities relied on the land and hunted for their sustenance. “It is beneficial to introduce children to hunting different types of game, such as deer, duck, and turkey, as well as fishing;” he remarked. “Starting children at a young age to educate them on survival skills and offering the opportunity to discuss gun safety is important.”

Door prizes are donated by local business. Those participating are 701 Guns and Gold, Ritchie’s General Store and Eatery, Mattie Jane’s Coffee Shop, Shorty’s Grill,, A Reel Fix, and more.

For further details to become a vendor or donate a door prize, contact Jarrett Johnson, deacon and event coordinator, at 843-446-4705.