The annual No-Cost Turkey Dinner is Nov. 22, 2:30 p.m., in the Friday Harbor High School cafeteria. The dinner is free and open to the public. To volunteer or for more information, call Dan Miller Sr., 378-2046.

The dinner is the longest-running community Thanksgiving dinner on the island, the first to offer camaraderie, fellowship and food no matter the individual’s need. How many years? Miller’s lost count. About 150 to 200 people attend the dinner every year. The event is funded by donors and staffed by volunteers.

The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is Nov. 26, noon to 4 p.m., in the San Juan Island Grange. This dinner is free and open to the public. There will be camaraderie, food, games, and televised football.

“This is the 11th year for the community Thanksgiving celebration and we never know who or how many will show up,” Minnie Knych said. “But that just makes the day more interesting. Last year, we served dinner to almost 300 people. Sometimes there are a dozen people in the kitchen peeling potatoes, washing pots, stirring gravy or slicing turkey. There’s always another chore that needs to be done so there’s plenty for everyone who enjoys that part of the day too.

Knych, an organizer of the event, said the event reminds her of family holidays during her childhood “when uncles, aunts and cousins gathered in one home for this special day.”

Knych said people can come alone or bring friends and family. “This is a day to share and give thanks together. Everyone is welcome. It’s all free. The food is great. There’s a fire in the fireplace. Football games are on the TV with cable provided by Windjammer Cable. There are card games and board games to play while you digest your feast. Most important of all, there is plenty of turkey, dressing and all the fixin’s and there are plenty of friends and neighbors to share a special day.”

For information about how you can join the fun, call Knych at 378-4662 or e-mail knych@rockisland.com.