Beyond the traditional dinner of turkey and pumpkin pie, there are plenty of family-friendly activities happening in Bradford West Gwillimbury and area this Thanksgiving weekend.
If you are looking for a way to embrace fall and a giving spirit, here is a look at some options.
Free Thanksgiving dinner
Have a free meal of turkey with all the trimmings at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, at 2940 Sideroad 10 in Bradford West Gwillimbury, on Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
All are welcome to join the event, which is an initiative of the Greater Living Community Church.
Helping Hand Food Bank
It is always a good time of year to donate to the local food bank at 123 Moore St. in Bradford.
Some of the items that are always needed include peanut butter and jam, canned pastas and stews, cookies, crackers and cereal, snacks for school lunches, such as granola bars, pudding cups and fruit cups, diapers and baby wipes, and personal hygiene items.
Cash or cheque donations are also accepted. Tax receipts are issued for donations more than $20.
South Simcoe police food drive
The South Simcoe police are also hosting a food drive this Thanksgiving weekend for the Innisfil Food Bank.
Donations will be accepted at the Sobeys in Alcona, at 2080 Jans Blvd. on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of a joint effort between the South Simcoe police, Innisfil Community Church, and Sobeys.
Items most needed include staples such as canned soup, canned pasta, Kraft Dinner, pasta sauce, pancake mix and syrup, canned tuna and salmon, juice, cereal, crackers and cookies.
People are welcome to purchase food items from a list handed out at the store entrance, get a pre-made bag of food available inside the store, or make a cash donation at the checkout.
The need is year-round and donations are always accepted during office hours at the Innisfil Community Church at 1571 Innisfil Beach Rd. in Innisfil.
Harvest Festival
Stock up for Thanksgiving dinner — or just for the sake of having plenty of pumpkin pie in the house — at this Saturday’s Harvest Festival at the Bradford Farmers’ Market.
The market will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of the BWG Public Library.
Thanksgiving flower arrangement
Try your hand at making the perfect centrepiece for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Country Cut Flowers at 970 Miller’s Sideroad in Newmarket is hosting a workshop on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $75. Buy tickets online.
Participants will combine flowers and foraged materials in heirloom pumpkins. Spiced apple cider, tea, and treats will be provided.
Pumpkinferno
If you feel like a drive, head north to Discovery Harbour, at 93 Jury Dr. in Penetanguishene, for its annual Pumpkinferno, which advertises to showcase “hauntingly magical and stirring outdoor exhibits” of hand-crafted pumpkins.
The event is all ages and includes a Terror Zone for anyone who wants a jump on getting spooky for Halloween. Cost is $8 per person with non-perishable food item.
