The 94th annual Tom McNulty Memorial American Legion Coon Feed is right around the corner.

This year's event takes place at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Legion Post 196, 333 N. Lapham Peak Road, Delafield. The event supports local youth and veterans programs.

Coon Feed chairman and Post 196 adjutant Mark Corgiat said the event attracts 300 to 350 people each year.

"Because of the uniqueness of the event we get people from around the state as well as the United States, but ultimately it is an intimate community event," Corgiat said.

Between 350 to 400 pounds of raccoon are cooked in a given year.

"It's a big deal for our post and what we do," Corgiat said. "Considering this is the 94th year, it's a pretty big deal."

The Coon Feed was started in the mid-1920s by Tom McNulty and some of his hunting friends. As the years went on, McNulty and his friends moved from the kitchen of the house to a garage.

The size of the group grew, and the Coon Feed became a fundraiser for youth athletics in Delafield. Today, the event still supports youth groups, but also other activities.

"Last year we sent four boys to Badgers Boys State," Corgiat said. "We paid the bill for that. We are associated and affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 49 out of Summit. We also give a percentage of our profits for an individual (Boy Scout's) college education."

Corgiat also said money raised from the Coon Feed will help field two Delafield American Legion baseball teams— one for high school juniors and seniors and another for freshmen and sophomores.

In addition to the contributions for youth groups, money is also donated to veterans programs to support homeless veterans, the VA Medical Center, prosthetic research and more.

The Coon Feed moved from the old city hall to Delafield's American Legion post in the 1950s.

"It moved into a larger facility, and it was a consistent facility," Corgiat said. "It's literally been there ever since."

The Coon Feed raises between $5,000 and $5,500 each year. Cost for the Coon Feed is $18 per person. Children 6 and younger eat free.

Contact Evan Frank at (262) 361-9138 or evan.frank@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Evanfrank_LCP.