Sidney tradition continues: Elks Lodge hosts community Thanksgiving

SIDNEY -- The line was long as Sidney residents, their families and guests took part in an early Thanksgiving dinner today.

A few years ago, Jeannette Ford decided she wanted to treat Sidney to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, continuing a tradition that started in Sidney at least in the early 1990s. Her goal was to give back to the community, and to offer a full meal to people who may not otherwise experience a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The pre-Thanksgiving feast included an opportunity to donate to local programs or charities. 

Now in its fourth year of recent history, the Elks Lodge has taken over the community event. 

"It is No. 1 on the Elks. It's been a tradition, so this actually has been going on several years. It started with the Goransons years ago. Susan Star and her husband Dean did it for several years. Jeannette took it over. So, it has grown and grown and grown. Today is just heartwarming the amount of people that are here to, to share lunch with us," said Elks Lodge member Heather Shaw.

"It was really great. I've been watching this for years and years and years. I think this is one of the biggest I've ever seen. They put on a great meal. It was all really good. I think it was a blessing to have them do this for the community," said Don Ogle.

The meal was sponsored by ALLO Fiber. Donations were accepted for the Elks Renovation Project and for the Teammates program.