When Kevin Ressler, one of the organizers of the Ephrata Area Churches' annual New Holland Sportsman Banquet, learned that Eddie Salter was being considered as the 2025 speaker, the turkey hunter's name was not familiar. "I had never heard of him before," stated Ressler, who noted that the event had hosted deer hunters as speakers for the last several years. "We wanted to try something different," Ressler pointed out. "(Salter) deer hunts, but he's big into turkeys."

The family-friendly banquet, which was first held in 2005, will take place on Friday, March 14, at Yoder's Restaurant, 14 S. Tower Road, New Holland. Attendees can view about 10 vendor stands, which will include hunting and fishing gear as well as other local businesses, such as a car dealership, when doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.

According to Ressler, the event will again feature a number of door prizes, which are provided by banquet sponsors. Ressler noted that the prizes will not necessarily be related to hunting and fishing. "We will have free car washes, maybe a weed wacker (among the prizes)," he said.

Salter is known for his lifelong love of turkey hunting, having taken his first bird at the age of 10. In 1981, he turned his talents to competitive turkey calling, garnering two World Open Turkey Calling Championships, six Alabama State Championships, and seven Southeastern Open Calling Championships. He created Eddie Salter Game Calls Inc., which produces turkey and deer calls, along with other hunting-related products. He has been seen on Hunters Specialties Outdoors TV on The Outdoor Channel, ESPN, and ABC's 20/20. Salter will give his testimony and discuss his love of both turkey and deer hunting.

Ressler said that recent banquets have averaged attendance of nearly 300, but that the venue can seat up to 500. "It's good food and good fellowship," said Ressler, adding, "My philosophy is that if (the banquet) brings one person to Christ, it's worth (holding)."

The Ephrata Area Churches group that sponsors the event includes about a dozen churches located in Ephrata and Akron.

There is a fee to attend the dinner, and a limited number of tickets is available. Organizers recommend that tickets be purchased by Friday, March 7. Tickets may be purchased at https://sportsmansbanquet.ticketspice.com/new-holland-sportsman-banquet. Readers who have questions may call 717-738-0963.