Staff Writer
OAKFIELD — Thanksgiving is one time of year when its better to share dinner with a crowd.
That’s one reason why volunteers started cooking up a free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who wanted to attend.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
IN THE KITCHEN — Errol Hunt prepares meat during a recent boiled dinner at the Smoki-Haulers clubhouse in Oakfield. Hunt is one of the volunteers helping put on a free Thanksgiving dinner at the clubhouse on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year’s dinner, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Smoki-Haulers clubhouse in Oakfield, will feature turkey, pork, a round of vegetables and, of course, dessert — all homemade.
Errol Hunt of Sherman, who helps cook the Thanksgiving dinner, said this year marks 10 years volunteers have pitched in for the meal. Originally, it was held in the Sherman area, but for the past three years, it’s been at the Smoki-Haulers clubhouse.
“The response in Oakfield has been really great,” said Hunt. “Like this year, the Knowles Corner Wheelers asked if they could buy the turkeys and the Smoki-Haulers wanted to buy pork loin. … Dale Boutilier of Boutilier Farms gave potatoes.”
The snowmobile club also donates use of their facility while other groups and individuals give various menu items.
“There are others who buy a dozen rolls or who offer to make a pie,” explained Hunt. “And I try to see that we have pumpkin pie and bread pudding for dessert. We have all the vegetables — peas, turnip, squash and sometimes carrots and cabbage. We cook it all right there so it’s all homemade and freshly prepared. … It’s an authentic Thanksgiving meal.”
For Hunt, the holiday brings back memories of his mother Clara who enjoyed serving Thanksgiving meals to crowd of friends and family. Hunt, who is also know for his culinary skills, says he also sees the meal as just a chance to do something for someone else.
“I knew there were a lot of people who didn’t eat Thanksgiving dinner because they didn’t have anyone to cook it for them or they were alone,” said Hunt. “And it’s a good feeling knowing you’re fortunate enough to be able to do something for other people.”
Dick Barstow, who “mashes potatoes, helps with gravy and does anything else that needs to be done” that day, has helped with the meal for the past six or seven years. He said he also enjoys the chance to lend a hand for the community dinner.
“I’m glad to do it,” he added. “All my relatives are out of state, so it makes it nice to help out.”
All are welcome at the Nov. 22 meal.
“This is for everybody — no matter homeless or wealthy, alone or family of 10. … It’s just a time for people to come together and socialize,” added Hunt. “And they don’t have to cook.”
