Locals can dine together while celebrating the holidays at the 20th Annual Community Christmas Dinner next Thursday.
The long-running event will make its return on Dec. 6 at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
The community is invited to come enjoy an extensive (and free) Christmas meal starting at 4:30 p.m. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, assorted vegetables and ice cream will be just some of the items on the menu, and event organizer Cheryl Balay says the doors will stay open until people stop coming or they run out of food; whichever happens first.
The event has become quite popular, as last year an estimated 900 people stopped in to enjoy it.
But it had modest beginnings, according to one of the original organizers, Pat Bellamy. She was one of five people who saw a need for the event and worked hard to make it happen, asking for the support of local businesses and volunteers. In its early years, the event was held in the Anglican Church basement, before moving to the Community Centre, and finally on to the Multiplex.
Support from the Town and County, the Athabasca Ministerial Association, businesses like Al-Pac, and the passion of volunteers like Bellamy has helped make the event what it is today.
“We just tried to always critique after we had the meal, what we could do to make it better the next year,” she said.
One of those enhancements has been the addition of takeout service, available for those families that can’t make it to the Multiplex for the dinner. The event also features musical entertainment for the enjoyment of the diners.
In the past, there has been a misconception that the dinner is only for those ‘in need’, but that is not the case, according to Bellamy. Whether your whole family is here to enjoy the event, or you’re all alone for Christmas, you’re welcome.
“I think it’s quite unusual to find a community that gets together and does this.”
The event is always looking for more volunteers, though they usually have no shortage of them, especially as students from Rochester School and the Athabasca Pacers football team play a key role each year.
To help decorate, prepare or serve food, wash dishes and clean up (or donate to the cause) contact Cheryl at 780-675-7161 or at 2012christmasdinner@gmail.com.
