Sharing A Meal For 23 Years: A Glasgow Tradition

Giving thanks is part of the season. Sharing a meal on Thanksgiving day is a tradition for families all across the nation. Sharing a meal with the community has been a tradition in Glasgow for 22 years and going onto its 23 year.

Ruth Ann Hutcheson said that the local tradition actually started just a few years prior to the community Thanksgiving. She said at the time there was discussion about bringing in the food bank, and she invited others from her church to come share a meal. A few years went by and she said that it expanded into the Annual Valley County Thanksgiving Day Dinner.

“I felt it was needed in the county,” she said. “I had also helped with the Salvation Army in high school serving a big dinner.”

The dinner takes place at the Glasgow Senior Center on 328 4th St. S. from noon to 2 p.m. Everyone, all ages, are welcomed to the dinner that includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, yams, cranberries and pumpkin pie. The meal is free and can help provide a holiday dinner for those who might not have plenty, or for those who might be spending the holiday alone.

The dinner may have started out small, but last year Hutcheson said that 218 people came to the dinner. Over the years 3,600 people have joined in on turkey and all the fixings. She said that she never is short of help on the holiday. That the food and donations just show up in time for the season.

“It’s just a good time for everyone to enjoy food, fun and fellowship for the day,” Hutcheson said.

The high school student council helps prepare for the meal by setting up. Boy Scout Troop 1805 helps serve and seat those who come, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints helps with some of the food preparation that takes place. A special touch to the community event is table center pieces made by third-graders at Irle Elementary School.

Hutcheson said that she has a goal to one day serve 500 or more at the Thanksgiving dinner. She enjoys the atmosphere and said that people often stay to help clean up when the dinner is over. Families are encouraged to join in.

While there aren’t any deliveries of the meal, rides may be provided to come to the community dinner. Hutcheson said that arrangements can be made by calling the senior center at 228-9500. For more information or to donate, you can call Ruth Ann Hutcheson at 228-8392.