Signs were posted in various places at St. Peter's Union Church, Lynnville.

"We could not get enough local dandelion, so it is being supplemented with lettuce," the signs read.

The dandelions the church obtained for the April 5 ham and dandelion supper came all the way from Texas because the harsh winter slowed growth of the local wild supply.

Harold Handwerk discussed how the annual dinner came about.

He said there was a need for fundraisers to pay for the church's fellowship hall after it was built. Spaghetti and pork dinners brought minimal success.

Handwerk's late wife, Linda, suggested a dandelion and ham dinner but said a lot of help would be needed.

"When the time comes, they are always here," Handwerk said. "I get the ham and dandelion and stay out of the women's way."

For 28 years, the suppers have been a success. Along with all the other work, the women get together and make bacon dressing for the dandelion.

Dinner includes dandelion, three-bean salad, mashed potatoes, ham and corn, Jeanette Steber said. Desserts, pies and cakes, are also homemade. The youth from the Sunday School help with the supper.

Leonard Bogert was celebrating his birthday as people came in and gave him cards.

He sat his wife, Elaine, and Cathy Shellhamer at a table selling books, refrigerator magnets and pint jars of bacon dressing.

Shellhamer. a Northwestern Lehigh graduate, has a friend who attends St. Peter's so she comes every year from Sinking Springs for the event.

At 4 p.m., Jean Weider was afraid the wild winds were keeping people away but by 5 p.m. the church was filled with people waiting to be seated.

Pastor Carol Ivey spent some of her time escorting people to the fellowship hall where they were seated in groups.

As some moved over to the fellowship hall, others took their places in the church where they enjoyed the music of Jack Snyder and Friends.

Karen Schrantz on keyboard and tambourine; Snyder, vocals; Howard Truitt, guitar and harmonica; and Ed Hamm on guitar are a community band.

They draw large crowds wherever they go and were greeted personally by many who waited for supper.

The music included such favorites as "Blowing in the Wind and "It's Good to Be Back Home Again," as well as gospel selections.

At a Chambersburg concert Snyder heard Lynda Randel sing "He is There," a song she had written.

He liked it so much Snyder contacted her and asked if he could use it. Three days later she sent him the music.