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ESCANABA -- While there are many traditions related to Thanksgiving, one of the most unique in Delta County is the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
The annual dinner, which takes place at Escanaba High School on Thanksgiving Day, draws hundreds of people for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with turkey, dressing, real mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
“The meal is absolutely, 100% free, without question,” said Dennis LaMarch, of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner committee.
The meal will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. While the ultimate goal of the event is to offer a place where no one will feel alone on Thanksgiving, to-go meals will be offered this year in addition to the sit-down meal. To get a meal to go, all someone needs to do is ask.
“We give them a takeout container, no questions asked, and their on their way,” said LaMarch.
Bringing the meal to the masses is a major undertaking. From the Girl Scouts who make handmade placemats celebrating the holiday for guests to eat over to the small army of volunteers who begin cooking days in advance, the project has become a well-oiled machine.
That doesn’t mean they can’t use more help.
“If people want to come on down, we’ll make sure they have something to do,” said LaMarch.
While the meal is free, the group graciously accepts donations to support the project, and anyone interested in helping is welcome. Those wishing to volunteer are asked to contact the Community Foundation for Delta County at 906-786-6654. Donations can be made by sending a check to Peninsula Federal Credit Union, c/o the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
LaMarch says that the community has been very generous with volunteers, many of whom return year after year to put on the meal. However, he stressed that while donations are greatly appreciated, the meal is for everyone.
“Everyone’s invited. If they’re alone, whether they can afford a Cadillac or they can’t afford anything, it doesn’t make any difference. They’re all invited,” he said.