However, for those who do not have a nearby family or those who prefer a Thanksgiving meal be large communal dinner there are different options.

The Community Friends Thanksgiving Dinner hosted in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Ulm is the most popular community dinner in the region.

Community Friends Thanksgiving will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church’s basement located at 417 S. Minnesota Street.

This Thanksgiving dinner has been held for 36 years in New Ulm. Around 1,300 people attended the Community Friends Thanksgiving Dinner every year. In order to prepare for the meal volunteers must start preparing the food days in advance.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Community Thanksgiving Dinner volunteer Simon Wilkins prepares a turkey for roasting in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church kitchen Tuesday.

On Tuesday, 32 turkeys were cooked in St. Mary’s Catholic Church kitchen. Another 10 turkeys will be cooked Wednesday to ensure there is enough food available on Thursday.

The event is funded by free-will donations every year. Community Friends never charge for its meals. However, Dinner Co-Chairman Les Schultz said they often see a small profit from the generous donations of those attending.

The meal requires always requires many volunteers to assist with serving the meal and cleanup. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Schultz at 507-766-5466 or sign up at SignUpGenius under New Ulm Community Friends. 

Though the New Ulm community Thanksgiving meal is the largest in the area other communities are hosting meals.

In Sleepy Eye, the Open Bible Church will host a community meal at 12 p.m. Thursday, Nov 28. Open Bible Church is located at 144 Main Street. Those interested in attending are asked to call 507-822-6142 to ensure the correct amount of food is prepared.

The St. Francis Catholic Church in Winthrop will also host an annual Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 510 Brown Street. This dinner is for individuals who do not want to spend Thanksgiving alone. Reservations are welcomed, but not necessary. Bill or Che May at 507-647-2238 or Ted and June Oman at 507-647-5771 for more information.