Happy Thanksgiving

     Today is Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday. There is no mail delivery and government offices, schools, and financial institutions are closed as are most businesses, although some have Black Friday sales starting this afternoon or tonight.

     Many government offices will remain closed tomorrow as well. For the city of Chadron, tomorrow’s closures include the Handi-bus, city hall and the library, but the Aquatics and Wellness Center will be open from 1:00-7:00 both tomorrow and Sat.

   The idea of setting aside a specific day to give thanks for life and its blessings dates back thousands of years through many civilizations, cultures and religions…but the American celebration started with the Pilgrims.

      The religious refugees who founded the Plymouth Colony in 1620 marked their first harvest a year later with a feast of Thanksgiving. The date was formalized by Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War as the last Thursday in November, with Congress later fine-tuning that to the 4th Thursday of the month.

     There are several community Thanksgiving dinners being held today around the KCSR/KBPY listening area.

    In Fall River County, the Hot Springs American Legion is hosting a free-will dinner from 11:00-3:00 while Buffalo Gap is having a partial potluck dinner with main dishes provided and everyone bringing a side dish. It’s early at 9:00 in the Community Center

    The 22nd Hay Springs Thanksgiving Dinner is carryout and home deliver only starting at noon at St Columbkille Catholic Church, but reservations were requested by Monday.

      The Ridge in downtown Chadron is offering a Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:00-3:00 at a cost of just $8.50.

    The low cost is thanks to sponsorships by 6 other Chadron businesses: Paris Fisher Auto Sales, Buettner Construction, Chadron Insurance, Robert’s Electric, Mike and Brenda Ferrell Masonry, and Chadrad Communications.