Carson Nugget feeds hundreds at 59th community Thanksgiving dinner
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 11/28/2013 - 1:57pm
The 59th annual Carson Nugget community Thanksgiving dinner brought hundreds to the annual free Carson City feast, where helpings of good cheer were dished up with mountains of mashed potatoes and plenty of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
New to this year's menu, the Carson Nugget joined forces with FISH (Friends in Service Helping) as a way to expand the annual holiday dinner. FISH brought with them 100 turkeys and 25 volunteers.
FISH executive director Jim Peckham said he approached the Nugget earlier this year about combining efforts for the holiday dinner and the Nugget was more than happy to take up the offer. Cooking a full-on holiday dinner for 1,000-plus people takes a lot of work, planning and, of course, food.
"It's always been a gift from the Nugget to the community and now we are getting more people in the community to serve and take part in this," said Peckham.
Also noteworthy at this year's dinner was the roster of volunteers FISH coordinated with to get them to help with the effort. Volunteers included the Carson City superintendent of schools, Carson City's mayor and sheriff, members of the board of supervisors, political candidates and the executive director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.
Star Anderson, general manager of the Carson Nugget called Thursday's event a "joyful day at the Nugget" with 59 years of providing Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who wanted to be a part.
The dinner began at 11 a.m. with some having stood in line since 8. By noon 416 had already had walked through the door. They were greeted by smooth jazz guitar and strings music from the Hot Club Band featuring Kurt Mitchell, Jacki Montgomery and Sue Jesch.
Family and friends made up the bulk of the gathering, including Nancy and Leroy Liput a retired Gardnerville couple who were so impressed with last year's generous Nugget Thanksgiving spread that they again returned this year.
"The nicest people are here, everyone is just so sweet and so many smiling faces," said Nancy Liput.
The feast itself began a few days ago, said Ron Hogarth, food and beverage director for the Carson Nugget. The Nugget cooked:
— 1,250 pounds of turkey, (300 pounds were on reserve)
— 400 pounds of potatoes
— 400 pounds of stuffing
— 80 dozen rolls
— 200 pounds of vegetables
— 30 gallons of gravy
— 1,200 slices of pumpkin pie
— 25 gallons each of ice tea and coffee
Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell said the event represents the best of the capital city because it recognizes everyone as important to the community.
"We have a lot to be thankful for in this great community," said Crowell, who was side-by-side with wife Susan as both served nearly 1,000 guests.
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