It's a dark time of year, in trying economic times. But no one
in western Montana need be hungry or alone this Thanksgiving
holiday.
Free Thanksgiving meals abound - to be followed, in many places on
Friday and throughout the weekend with free festivals and parades
that celebrate the holiday season that is upon us. The events
launch Wednesday evening with a dinner and worship service at
Missoula's First Presbyterian Church, 201 S. Fifth St. W. Dinner
begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by worship at 6:30 p.m., and all are
welcome.
Other events include:
Thursday, Nov. 26
- Missoula Goodfellows Club in conjunction with the Human
Resource Council hosts a free community Thanksgiving Day dinner 10
a.m.-2 p.m., at Fuddruckers, corner of North Reserve Street and
American Way. Beach Transportation and Mountain Line will provide
free shuttle service from the Courthouse Transfer Center and back
regularly from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Poverello Center, 535 Ryman St., Missoula, will serve a
free Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The dining room
will be decorated, thanks to area schoolchildren, and Fiddler Jack
will provide music. The Pov expects to serve 500 families, kids and
individuals.
- The Missoula Family YMCA, 3000 S. Russell St., will be open
between 9 and 11 a.m. for those who want to get in a workout or
just have fun with the family before gobbling up all that turkey.
The Health & Wellness Center has scheduled family aerobics and
step aerobics from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., as well as cycling classes
at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. These events are open to the community and
the cost of admittance is one nonperishable food item per person
for the Missoula Food Bank. For more information, call 721-YMCA
(9622).
- A Carousel for Missoula volunteers will give free rides from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
- The Corvallis Community Firehouse will host a Thanksgiving meal
from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Firehouse. Call AnnaMarie White at 396-1937
for reservations.
- In Hamilton, a Thanksgiving feast will be held 3-5 p.m. at
South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison. Free community
feast for families, those in need and those wanting to connect.
RSVP to 363-3450.
- Also in Hamilton, Grace Lutheran Church will host its
Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 271 Hattie Lane.
- Polson's Community Thanksgiving Dinner is open to anyone, but
especially to those who need companionship and a good homemade
meal. The dinner, sponsored by the Senior Citizens Center and
Polson Ministerial Association, is 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day
at the center, 504 Third Ave. E. There will be entertainment by
Trish Tavenner on the piano; The Wings, Devlin and Lozar singing
folk songs and spirituals; K.C. and the Valley Cats playing swing
and jazz; and John and Marge Davis on the flute and guitar. The
dinner is free but donations will be accepted and divided between
the Senior Center and PMA's Helping Hands Fund. Requests for rides
can be made by calling Dave at (406) 883-4735. General questions
can be directed to (406) 883-8256.
- Ronan's annual Thanksgiving Day dinner is held at the Community
Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Listen to live music and enjoy community
spirit. Volunteers are always welcome. Call Adina Fox at
207-2973.
- In Seeley Lake, the churches are providing Thanksgiving dinner
free at Pop's Restaurant on Highway 83. There will be seatings at
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are requested. Call
(406) 677-7259.
- Stevensville's free Thanksgiving dinner will be held noon-4
p.m. at the Stevensville School multipurpose room, 300 Park St.,
featuring food, fun, football, games, crafts and friendship.
Friday, Nov. 27
- Hamilton's Christmas kickoff starts at 6 p.m. on Black Friday
with the tree lighting at the post office, and features music by
both the Montana A Cappella Society and the Hamilton High School's
Guys and Dolls Vocal Ensemble. Downtown stores will keep their
doors open until 8 p.m. and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an
appearance handing out candy and hearing wish lists. There will
also be a special Main Street presentation of The Nutcracker.
- The Daly Mansion begins its self-guided Holiday Tours on
Friday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and continuing each Saturday from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 12. Holiday treats will be served in
the kitchen. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for
children. Children under 6 years old will be admitted free. For
more information, call 363-6004.
Saturday, Nov. 28
- The Missoula 3:16 Rescue Mission will offer its 10th annual
Great Thanksgiving Banquet from 6-7 p.m. at the First United
Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St. The group expects to serve 200
meals to Missoula's homeless and needy citizens.
