West Chester to continue election night dinners

West Chester residents can still look forward to a long-held community tradition of election night dinners, despite the city’s removal from the list of precincts in Washington County.

“I think that people who want to come to the election night supper in West Chester will probably come regardless of where they’re voting,” said Nancy Schmidt, president of the United Women of Faith group at the West Chester United Methodist Church, which hosts the event. “I don’t think it will have a big impact on our attendance.”

The tradition, which only takes place on the night of general elections, stretches very far back, according to Schmidt.

“I can’t tell you the exact number, but I can tell you it’s over 100 years, 126 or 127, something like that,” she said. “It’s been going on a long time.”

Schmidt said it was important to keep the event going.

“It’s important for our church group because it’s a major fundraiser, and we think it brings the community together,” she said. “People do come for the socialization as well as the meal … I don’t think there’s a lot of politics talking that goes on.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com