Two hundred turkeys and 100 hams are being prepared for one massive community feast in Oak Harbor on Thanksgiving Day.
It’s all part of the 13th North Whidbey Community Harvest, which is bracing to feed about 3,000 people from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.
Intended to keep community members from spending the holiday alone, the event has evolved into a festive community gathering put on by hundreds of volunteers.
The meal is free to the public and funded through donations from private citizens to business owners. Island Thrift is the event’s biggest sponsor.
“It’s a group effort,” said Scott Fraser, owner of Frasers Gourmet Hideway, a part of the organizing group since the event’s outset.
In Central Whidbey, another volunteer group is hosting a free community meal at the Coupeville Recreation Hall.
The 16th Coupeville Community Potluck is from noon until about 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
Hundreds of people are expected there.
Organizers are preparing the staples as the main course, including turkey and ham. Attendees may bring a side dish if they wish.
In Oak Harbor, North Whidbey Community Harvest originated from an idea by former restaurant owner Keith Bartlett, who wanted the community to come together for a meal served on linen table cloths with formal dining and silverware.
Bartlett died of a heart attack while preparing the holiday meal during the third year of the event.
The event continues to be a tribute to its founder.
The BBQ Joint and Seabolt’s Smokehouse are teaming up to smoke 80 turkeys and 100 hams with the remaining 120 turkeys being deep-fried onsite at the Elk’s Lodge.
“We have 12 deep fryers going constantly starting at 9 in the morning,” said Fraser, who is running the kitchen with his staff, focusing on a mountain of side dishes such as potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and salads.
Volunteers with the North Whidbey Community Harvest also are delivering meals to those unable to attend.
Inquiries for deliveries should be made by calling 360-279-1722.
Donations to defray event costs may be made on the day of the event at the Elks Lodge or dropped off at Frasers Gourmet Hideaway at 191 SE Fidalgo Ave., or Whidbey Residential Rentals at 285 NE Midway Blvd. Donations also may be mailed in care of the event’s president to: North Whidbey Community Harvest, care of Skip Pohtilla, 1090 SE Hathaway St., Oak Harbor, WA, 98277.
