The decendants of the famed Donner party, who survived being trapped by snow in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the winter of 1846-1847, held their sixth annual reenactment of the Donner Dinner — the name they have given to the first meal that included cannibalism by the Donner party.

“We studied the records and calculated when they most likely would have partaken of their first human meat meal,” William Donner said. “We recreate the moment when they break through that barrier of social stigma associated with eating other humans and realize the benefit to eating those who have passed.”

The feast begins by introducing the main course — nowadays a volunteer — to the celebrants.

“The first two years we picked a family member,” Samuel Donner, a decendant, says. “After word got out what we were doing, people began to beg to particpate in the event, even volunteering to be the main course.”

After the volunteer is introduced, he is taken to the cook site to be prepared while the others engage in lively songs and dance reminiscent of the 1840’s. Although many women have volunteered to be the main course, they have always been turned down.

“Since the actual Donner dinner was male, we stick to that tradition,” Samuel says. “Our decendants may decide to become equal opportunity, but we old timers want to stick to tradition. Heck, they may even cook up a negro or a Hispanic someday.”

A few hours into the songs, dances, and storytelling, a dinner bell is rung loudly, announcing the beginning of the actual feast. The decendants all gather around a large table beside an authentic covered wagon while bystanders are welcome to watch or wait in line for any leftovers.

While all of the fixin’s have been placed on the table in advance, the spot for the main course remains empty until everyone is seated. Then, with thunderous applause, the main course is brought out. He is carried around so that everyone can see and say their goodbyes, as one Donner diary describes, before being placed in the spot of honour on the table. Then, with decendants humming hymns softly, he is sliced and served to the decendants around the table.

Although some have complained in recent years that the tradition should be halted, many say that it should continue to keep the memory of the hardships of the Donner party alive.

“As long as I live, I’ll keep particpating in the Donner Dinner,” Samuel says.

Staff Reporter — BS