Annual community Thanksgiving dinner unites people across the Plateau
The Highlands Community Thanksgiving Dinner has been a long-standing tradition, supported each year by Highlands United Methodist Church, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, First Baptist Church-Highlands and Church of the Incarnation. This year’s event kicked off on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the Highlands Rec Park, where 50 volunteers helped serve 510 meals.
Preparation for the event begins months in advance, and cooking typically takes 2 weeks. The efforts are led by Kristy Martin, food services director of Highlands United Methodist Church.
“I think anytime we have an event that pulls everybody together, it makes a huge difference,” said Martin. “Because these are not only families, but these are our locals that are coming out to this event.”
24 turkeys were served alongside stuffing, cornbread, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Leftover food, along with additional meals cooked by Martin, are donated to the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin for its community thanksgiving dinner.
“We, at Highlands United Methodist, have a great belief in feeding people,” said Martin. “Really it’s just fellowship for all. All are welcome to share a meal at the table.”
Guests from near and far attended the event in search of good food and community togetherness. They enjoyed free meals, opportunities to connect with fresh faces and live music.
“It’s wonderful because we don’t have things like this in Miami, so just the small community and everybody getting together means a lot,” said Amy Monterros, an attendee visiting with her 11-year-old son.
Volunteers from the Rotary Club and local churches coordinated the event setup and food service. With their help, 160 meals were delivered to those who couldn’t attend.
“We’ve been serving for the last few years and enjoy giving something back. Highlands has been good to me,” said Mary Collany, a server. “The event really draws people together, and especially after the hurricane last year, it just helps people reconvene, so to speak, when they’ve been displaced for whatever reason.”
The Highlands United Methodist Church will next host its weekly, free community dinner on Tuesday, Dec.2 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com