Community Corner
Roseville VFW Holds 56th Annual Booya
Residents gather for fall Minnesota tradition; 150 gallons of stew made.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7555 in Roseville on Sunday held their 56th annual Booya.
Members, families and residents filed in and out of the yard behind the VFW hall, waiting patiently to have their containers filled with the rich smelling stew. The VFW’s area has a building with a kitchen in it just big enough to house the three 50 gallon vats that cook their Booya.
“We made 150 gallons this year,” said Post Chief Commander Jim Hartman. “We started on Friday, heating the water, and jumped in with both feet last night. There were at least two to three guys here all through [Saturday] night.”
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Gary Siler, a Shoreview resident and Post 7555 member, was working the ticket line, and has for many years. He said booya proceeds go to help support the Post's daily operations and its variety of community services such as providing hot dogs for bands in the parade or a color guard for service members who pass away.
“People bring all shapes and sizes of containers, and ask me to measure out how many ounces will fit,” Siler said about estimating just how many of the 16 or 32 oz. portions each customer could fit. “You have to know your math,” he chuckled.
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Though the main attraction was clearly the stew, the VWF provided other activities to attract and entertain visitors to the Booyah. There was a craft fair with local residents selling their wares. Children circulated selling raffle tickets for a cake raffle. Hot dogs, drinks and desserts were sold at a table
“The members donate everything,” said Agnes Goznik as she worked the dessert table. When asked how many years she’s been coming, she laughed and shook her head. “I’m here every year. I don’t remember how many anymore.”
Jim Fredrick, a Roseville resident, said this was his third year at the Booyah. His father, a member of the Roseville fire department in the 1940’s helped develop their booya, so he grew up with it.
“This is just a treat for me once a year,” he smiled. “Though, I will come back next week for the Firemen’s.”
