St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and Grace’s Kitchen will host their 20th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Cortez on Thursday.
The meal will be served takeout only from noon to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at 110 W. North St., Cortez.
Grace’s Kitchen requests that everyone who would like a meal to call or email ahead to arrange a pickup time for themselves and their family by Nov. 22. The deadline for delivery sign-up was noon Nov. 21.
To volunteer, donate, or sign-up for meals, call or email: office@stbarnabascortez.org or 970-565-7865.
Last year’s event served more than 350 people, and the Rev. Doug Bleyle of St. Barnabas said he expects about the same number this year. The event is run by 50 volunteers and is funded through donations.
Bleyle said the church’s greatest need is for financial donations, since most of the food that can be cooked in advance has been purchased already.
To serve the masses, cooks prepared 27 turkeys, 13 gallons of gravy, 59 pies, 200 pounds of potatoes, 400 homemade rolls, plus multiple pots of stuffing, cranberry sauce and green beans. Mona Snyder, of Mona Makes catering, is one of the lead chefs.
The community meal is a popular tradition in Cortez, and attracts families and bachelors from surrounding towns and counties.
“Many of us have different relationships to this day, but we know that it is a day when it can be especially hard to be alone or without food,” states a Facebook message by the organizers. “As always, anyone and everyone is welcome to meals at Grace's. No matter the reason, we are happy to see you.”
Also on Thanksgiving morning is the 19th annual For Pet’s Sake Turkey trot and fun walk in Cortez.
The annual event is held at Parque de Vida, located behind the Cortez Recreation Center. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Trot begins at 10 a.m.
Costumes are encouraged and a prize will be awarded for the Best Costume. Registration includes a cool commemorative T-shirt. You may register online with the form below, or register in person the day of the event.
“Make this one-mile fun walk part of your family Thanksgiving tradition. We will have you home in time for dinner,“ states a For Pets’ Sake social media post.
