PEAK TO PEAK
Every year in November, Americans come together for a day, or sometimes more, for feasting with friends and family and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Today’s celebrations would likely be unrecognizable to attendees of the original 1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for Americans to gather together and share a meal.

All along the Peak to Peak Region, many mountain communities and businesses, big and small, have their own celebrations planned throughout the month. From a Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck at the Estes Valley Library, Nov. 9 to a “Misfits Thanksgiving” gathering at Tapestry Coffee House in Allenspark there are numerous events before and after the actual holiday.

The Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Nederland is planned at the Nederland Community Center for Nov. 16. The annual celebration is open to the public with turkey, stuffing and potatoes provided. Bring a dish to share and your own plates, cutlery and cups to help make it a zero-waste event.

Nederland’s Carousel of Happiness will also say “thank you” to the community with free rides, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Other Side Restaurant in Estes Park has a Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The 2014 5K Turkey Trot returns to the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, Nov. 22 from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The course is a combination of roads, paths, and trails at the scenic Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village. Registration includes T-shirt and post-race meal. All proceeds benefit Easter Seals Colorado.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, start off your day and make room for dinner by running in the YMCA of the Rockies Turkey Trot in Estes Park. On Thanksgiving morning, lace up your running shoes and head to the start line to get a bit of exercise in this family fun run. The free run is open to the public, free-will donations will be accepted to benefit the YMCA Day Camp. Registration starts 7 a.m. with the race at 8 a.m.

Also on Nov. 27, free Thanksgiving Potluck takes place at 2 p.m. at the Stage Stop in Rollinsville. Turkey, sides, pies and music will be provided. Everyone is welcome.

A Community Thanksgiving Feast is planned at the CCCIA Hall on Thanksgiving as well.

Estes Park celebrates its 14th Annual Thanksgiving Community Gathering, Nov. 27, on from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Bible Fellowship. The event includes a Thanksgiving feast, entertainment and a bake sale. Free will donations are welcome.

Also in Estes Park on Thanksgiving, Cascades Restaurant at The Stanley Hotel holds its Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Feast from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Restaurant at Aspen Lodge Resort & Spa presents a Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet with game meats and vegan and gluten free options, Nov. 27. Participants can take a sleigh or wagon ride after their meal for an additional fee. Reservations are required by calling 970-586-8133.

Also on Thanksgiving Day, YMCA of the Rockies has a Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Lonigans Saloon has its annual Thanksgiving Pot Luck Supper. Lonigans provides the turkeys, homemade corn pudding, stuffing and cranberry sauce. All the rest is pot luck whoever wants to bring a dish of their choice. A $10 charitable donation is requested and no reservations are necessary.

Many more gatherings are planned in other communities, businesses and private homes. Be sure to take advantage of an opportunity to gather with your fellow community members this Thanksgiving season.