TATAMAGOUCHE: Preparations for the sixth annual Christmas at the Creamery celebration are already underway.
The free meal will take place at the Tatamagouche Farmer’s Market on Christmas day. A traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, prepared with local foods, will be served from 1 to 3 p.m.
The concept behind the dinner is “neighbours serving neighbours” and offers people the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with their community.
Last year’s Christmas at the Creamery celebration served more than 350 meals at the Farmer’s Market. More than 100 plates were also delivered to those who could not make it out to the event, including nurses, police officers and people confined to their homes.
The success of the event is due to the generosity of the community. Local businesses of all sizes have provided donations in kind. Residents have volunteered their time to help prepare the food and serve it to their neighbours.
Many residents and businesses have also made monetary donations. In 2008, the event raised almost $2,000. A $1,200 donation was made to the Food Outreach Program and $700 was given to the Home Heating Fuel Fund.
The accomplishments of the gathering have been seen noted beyond Tatamagouche. Neighbouring communities have inquired as to how they can hold a similar event in their town.
This year, Bridgewater, Lunenburg and New Glasgow will hold their own version of the Christmas celebration.
For more information about meal deliveries, shuttle services to the Farmer’s Market, volunteering your time or donating food, contact Av or Karen at 657-1199. Monetary donations are being accepted at the Village Florist, 257 Main St.