Ephrata- and Akron-area churches have canceled their annual Sportsmen's Banquet due to COVID, and fundraising efforts will begin for the March 2022 event.

On Saturday, May 8, a chicken barbecue will be held at Weaver's Store, 1011 Dry Tavern Road (Route 897), Fivepointville, from 10 a.m. until sold out. Half-chickens will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go toward expenses, including door prizes, for the 2022 banquet.

For 15 years, the banquet has provided hunting speakers like Charlie Alsheimer and Merle Fredericks. The banquet began as a one-night event and then expanded to the second Thursday and Friday nights of March. It is held at Yoder's Restaurant in New Holland.