All American Thanksgiving Celebrations

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By Fran Falkin
Published: 29 October, 2009
Tags: multi-gen usa

A Thanksgiving recipe for fun: FTF's A-Z guide to local events marking the settlers' gratitude, from traditional eats to marathons.

Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday, was first celebrated in 1621 by the pilgrim settlers to show thanks for the bountiful harvest that would see them through the long winter. Throughout the years, we have continued the tradition by enjoying feasts with family and friends, and in these difficult times we especially look forward to acknowledging our gifts and connecting with those who sustain us.

Who needs worry about fresh Thanksgiving recipes when there are so many fun activities outside? Here is a glimpse of some celebrations (and their 2009 dates) throughout the United States.

Alabama

In an effort to share their rich culture, the Poarch Creek Indians welcome you to their Thanksgiving Intertribal Powwow in Atmore, Alabama on November 23^rd and 24^th. Festivities include native dance competitions and performances, and a Princess crowning contest in which three "ambassadors" of different ages are selected to represent the tribe at other powwows, cultural events and school presentations. For more information, call 800/ALABAMA or visit the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel.

Arkansas

Enjoy a family Thanksgiving buffet, holiday crafts, traditional music and dancing and a gospel concert at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas on November 13^th and 14^th. Traditional artisans demonstrate crafts such as blacksmithing, dollmaking, gunsmithing, musical instrument making and woodcarving. Call 870/269-3851 or visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for schedule of events.

California

An American Indian celebration of dance, music, arts and food will take place near Palm Springs at the Indo Powwow of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians on November 27^th- 29^th. This semi-annual three-day event hosts tribes from throughout the US and Canada who perform in full ceremonial dress. In addition to dancing and singing competitions, guests can sample Native American foods and purchase jewelry, weavings, dream catchers and other craft items. Call 800/827-2946 or visit www.fantasyspringsresort.com for schedule of events.

A multi-holiday event, starting on Thanksgiving night and continuing until January 3^rd, takes place in San Diego. The Holiday of Lights is a drive-though exhibit featuring 400 lighted and animated themed displays. The family-fun themes range from Toyland to Elves at Play to the Twelve Days of Christmas and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own car. And new for 2009 is the Holiday Hayride. Visit www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights for more information on times, tickets and this exciting tradition.

Illinois

Home to the annual Turkey Trot, Chicago is alive with the spirit of Thanksgiving and charity. About 5,000 runners join this eight-kilometer race to help collect food for the less fortunate. Last year the Turkey Trot collected 8,000 pounds of food! The winners of the race get prizes and kids can take part in their own race, the Plymouth Rock Ramble. Visit Turkey Trot for information on this great cause.

Massachusetts

Old Sturbridge Village is open on Thanksgiving Day from 9:30am to 4:00pm and will feature a variety of demonstrations, performances, and hands-on activities. To mark this special fall holiday in New England, Old Sturbridge Village re- creates various activities from an early New England Thanksgiving Day, including cooking at the hearth, demonstrations of 19th-century table manners, a Thanksgiving sermon, and after-dinner entertainment. Visitors can see how a Thanksgiving dinner was prepared in the 1830s and enjoy storytelling, games, tours, and musical performances. Call them at 508/347-3362 or visit www.osv.org.

You are invited to visit "America's Home Town" in Plymouth, Massachusetts on November 20^th – 22^nd for the community's Thanksgiving activities. This is, after all, where it all began, and visitors make pilgrimages to see the site of the First Thanksgiving with their own eyes. The centerpiece of Plymouth's international celebration is a good old-fashioned parade, while visitors can also sample chowder and other local dishes at the New England Food Festival in a heated tent, hang out with crafters and historical re-enactors on the waterfront, or watch Coast Guard auxiliary vessel demonstrations. For more information on the events and area accommodations call 508/747-7533 or visit www.usathanksgiving.com/2007

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Comments

Comments (3 posted):

anonymous on 21 October, 2006

Plimouth Plantation, site of the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth Mass, is open through Thanksgiving weekend. You can experience a 1627 Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims on November 4, 11, 18, 19, 22, 24, and 25.

Or you can eat with your hands at the Eat Like a Pilgrim feast on November 24th at noon where you'll learn the 17th-century table manners that came to Plymouth with the English colonists. Wearing giant napkins, you'll get to eat with your fingers and find out exactly how the colonists ate their porridge.

There are also multiple meals and activities on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are required for all: 800-262-9356 ext. 8364, 8365 or 8366.

Plimouth Plantation is a living history museum with two components: living history museum has two main components – the reconstructed European village occupied by the Pilgrims, and a reconstructed Wampanoag Native American settlement.

Laura Sutherland
FTF's Blogger

anonymous on 02 October, 2006

Yes, have taken our son (now 14) for years, since his stroller days. It's a thrilling event for toddlers but it can be crowded (and hard for them to see), and cold or wet and windy. I suggest you take public transportation to the Columbus Circle area (59th Street station on West side, next to Central Park) to watch. Go as early as you can (does not have to be "crack of dawn" as the parade begins at 9am at Macy's on 34th Street, so you are getting the marching bands and floats lined up here, about a mile north). Be prepared to hoist toddlers on your shoulders. This is a broad part of the route so it's easier to see around the many people who gather there, but it can be overwhelming/scary if you're way down in a stoller. It's also a good location because it is close to West 57th Street which has coffeeshops open for hot chocolate if the weather is bad. Check the local papers the day before or morning of to pick your spot, as new crews often set up around here and they can hog all the good viewing spots.
p.s. The park side of the street (because you can "stand" the kids up on the stone railing) is probably the best spot.
Enjoy!

anonymous on 30 September, 2006

Just wondering if the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is too much for toddlers? Has anyone taken their toddlers or preschoolers to the parade?