Thanksgiving Day once again saw more than just eating on the list of activities in Emporia, all centered around community and togetherness.
The morning once again began with the Southwick House Turkey Day Dash, which was in a new location for the second straight year, being held in the Farmer’s Market Parking lot at 7th and Merchant, with Gravel City Roasters serving as the base of operations. This was a change of scenery from last year’s event at Champions Landing, which was also a move for the event, which had previously been held for decades at Walnut Elementary School before coming under the Southwick umbrella last year.
Despite the frequent changes in scenery, the event was once again well attended with more than 200 participants taking part. Southwick Director Susan Brinkman commended the community for continuing to “Punch upward” and help raise funds to support Southwick’s capital campaign for a new transitional housing facility, which continues to gain ground at a steady pace.
Brinkman, during an interview with KVOE News, stated she is highly confident that next year will see another change of scenery:
Individuals of all ages took part in the morning’s run, including 16-year-old Xaden Delgado, who was the first finisher of the day with his family cheering him on.
17-year-old Jon Paul Ubert says he enjoys the event because it keeps him in shape for the cross country season.
Longtime Emporia resident Lori Siebenaler is normally riding a bike through the downtown area; however, she said she decided this year she really wanted to give running a try and there is no better day than Thanksgiving Day.
The Emporia Recreation Commission was once again on hand, assisting with the day’s activities. Rec Director Amanda Gutierrez says she loves to see all of the families coming out to take part in the local tradition.
Fundraising totals for the event are currently pending. Also getting their Thanksgiving Day off to a running start was Pastor Neil Taylor of Emporia’s Church of Christ which who, just a few short hours after the dash, headed to the church, which was hosting their 35th annual free community Thanksgiving meal.
Pastor Taylor says taking part in the dash is good for the heart and providing the community meal is soothing for the soul.
As always, the meal provided all the Thanksgiving fixings with turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, desserts and more, all made by church members. Taylor says organizers lost count, but he estimates around 650 meals were served over the course of the two-hour event. People were waiting in line for at least 30 minutes before the event started.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
