With his own down-home charm and heaping helping of hospitality, this Austin, Texas born pastorturned- comedian has won the hearts of audiences across the country. Raised in what he calls a "mostly blue-collar, but sometimes ringaround- the-collar" family during the fifties, that old black and white television in the corner of the living room became an important part of making Swanberg the success he is today. One of the first voices the future impersonator nailed as a child was his television hero, Barney Fife, from "The Andy Griffith Show."

The Wild Game Dinner became an associational event after only three years at First Baptist Centerville when it outgrew their facilities. It has and will feature such meats as venison, quail, alligator and fish. Past-featured speakers comprise an impressive list including John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves, Jeff Foxworthy of Redneck fame, SEC Coach Bobby Bowden, and Nascar drivers, Kyle Petty, Lake Speed, and last year's guest, Alaskan Guide, Rocky McElveen.

Years ago, men within the church at Centerville prepared and featured their own game and recipes for others to sample and share. But the event grew so rapidly and became so popular; the sheer volume of food needed forced those involved to prepare it all on site in order to maintain safe and sanitary conditions.

People come from 50 to 100 miles away; it's a great value for families, fathers and sons, men's groups, etc. One of the great highlights of the evening is where the Gospel is shared, and people are given the chance to respond in a non-threatening way.

Another anticipated part of the program are the great door prizes. Local businesses have been generous to us over the years. We never cease to be amazed at the great support we get. From rifles and shotguns, to smokers and sports gear, to gun cabinets and auto services, the list of past prizes goes on and on. This year the team has worked diligently to eliminate the bottleneck and challenge of distributing the door prizes. The simple purchase of an $8 ticket and its stub turned in at the door provides your meal, featured speaker, and a chance at all the door prizes. A table for 8 is $60.

This event involves a phenomenal amount of work for dozens of volunteers. Our team meets for months prior to the event, and then it's an around the clock workload for the 36 hours leading up to the gates opening.

Tickets can be purchased by coming by the Rehoboth Association office at 744 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins. Call the office at 987-0005 for more information.

To learn more about Dennis Swanberg, go to www.dennisswanberg.com.