Hey there, turkey lovers and pumpkin pie enthusiasts! If you’re in Gilbert, Arizona, or anywhere nearby, get ready for a Thanksgiving that’ll knock your socks off. We’ve got a whole bunch of fun stuff happening right here in our little corner of the desert. So, grab your stretchy pants, and let’s dive into the Gilbert Thanksgiving scene!
Stuff Those Turkeys (and Food Banks)
First things first, let’s talk about giving back. On November 16, 2024, St. Anne’s Friends of the Needy is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive. From 7 am to 5 pm, you can swing by 14 N. Cottonwood Dr. in Gilbert and drop off some goodies. They’re looking for all sorts of non-perishable foods to help folks in need have a happy Turkey Day. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and spread some cheer.
Swim Before You Feast
Now, here’s something you don’t see every day – a Friendsgiving Family Swim Event! On November 24, 2024, from 1 to 3 pm, Goldfish Swim School in Gilbert is throwing open its doors for a free swim party. Located at 4588 South Higley Road, this event is perfect for burning off some pre-Thanksgiving energy. They’ve got all sorts of fun planned:
- Free family swim (obviously)
- A Thanksgiving craft (because who doesn’t love glitter and glue?)
- A scavenger hunt (finder’s keepers!)
- A raffle (cross your fingers for good luck)
Just remember, if you’ve got little ones who aren’t potty trained, they’ll need a reusable swim diaper. You can buy one there if you forget. It’s a great way to hang out with friends and family before the big day. Plus, you’ll feel less guilty about that second slice of pie!
The Great Gilbert Turkey Pit
Alright, folks, hold onto your drumsticks because this next one is a doozy. The Gilbert Turkey Pit Fundraiser is back for 2024, and it’s cooler than a frozen turkey. Here’s the deal: you bring your turkey, and they’ll cook it in a massive pit overnight. It’s like a turkey slumber party but tastier.
This tradition started way back in 2008 when a bunch of Boy Scouts were looking for a way to help out the community. They ended up with a bunch of wood from dead citrus trees and thought, “Hey, why not cook some turkeys?” And just like that, a Gilbert legend was born.
Here’s how it works:
- Reserve your spot online for $25. This money goes to support youth activities, so it’s a win-win.
- Prep your turkey according to their instructions (they’ll email you the details).
- Drop off your bird on Wednesday, November 27, between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm at 5656 S Higley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298.
- While you’re there, join in on some pre-Thanksgiving fun with bounce houses, cotton candy, and hot dogs. It’s like a mini-fair!
- Pick up your perfectly cooked turkey on Thanksgiving morning between 9:30 am and 10:00 am.
Pro tip: Bring an empty cooler when you pick up your turkey. It’ll keep that bird toasty until dinner time.
The best part? Your turkey will be so moist and delicious, your family might think you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell.)
Mix and Match Your Thanksgiving
Now, here’s the beauty of Gilbert’s Thanksgiving scene – you can mix and match these events to create your perfect holiday. Start by donating food, then take a pre-feast swim, and top it off with a pit-cooked turkey. Or, do your own thing at home and just join in for the Turkey Pit fun. The choice is yours!
Remember, Thanksgiving is all about being grateful, spending time with loved ones, and eating until you can’t move. These Gilbert events just add an extra sprinkle of fun to the mix.
So, whether you’re a Gilbert local or coming in from nearby Phoenix (just a 30-minute drive away), there’s plenty to do this Thanksgiving. Get involved, make some memories, and most importantly, don’t forget the elastic waistband!
Happy Thanksgiving, Gilbert! May your turkeys be juicy, your stuffing be savory, and your pie be plentiful. And if all else fails, remember: gravy fixes everything.
Sources: turkey-pit.myshopify.com, justserve.org, allevents.in
Header Image Source: Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash
