Recently I was talking with Mark Davis, our talented photographer and reporter, about the upcoming Powell Community Thanksgiving dinner. He’s covered the event a number of times over the years and said what strikes him about it is how happy everyone is to be there, especially how all of the volunteers are smiling, eager to serve their fellow residents. 

What’s a better display of community pride and love than this annual event, which has been resurrected a few times over the last few years as new organizers have stepped up to take over when previous organizers have had to step back? 

This year’s feast is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at Heart Mountain Hall at the Park County Fairgrounds. 

There will be turkey, rolls, potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberries, salads, relish trays and a variety of pies, all donated by people and businesses. 

The event is open to all, even those who may not be able to make it to the fairgrounds. For those who need a meal delivered, or to volunteer, contact organizer Bruce Olson at 307-254-2576. 

Olson is one of those who have stepped up to keep the event going, taking it over last year  from Larry and Maurine Akin, who themselves stepped up when the previous group had to take a step back. 

Olson is hoping next year someone new will be willing to learn from him and be ready to take it over in 2027. Here’s hoping that’s the case, as it’d be a shame to see such a long-running community tradition go away. 

I know the Cody community Thanksgiving dinner was in a similar predicament years ago when organizers could no longer keep it together. There, Cody Regional Health stepped in to take over the event and keep it going. 

Whether it’s another group like the Powell Ministerial Alliance, which for years ran the community dinner, an entity like the hospital, or a continuation of what’s worked the last few years: a couple with the time and energy to lead a large group of dedicated volunteers, I’m sure our Thanksgiving tradition will remain strong. 

And whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, in town or somewhere else, at a restaurant, house or at Heart Mountain Hall, Happy Thanksgiving!