Things To Do Before Eating Your Thanksgiving Meal.

Are you looking for something different to do this Thanksgiving besides cooking all day and eating a big meal?  Whether you are a newcomer to Utah or a lifelong resident, spending the holiday alone or with house full of friends and family; here are some fun ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.

Ching Farm Rescue and Sanctuary

The 20^th Annual Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner and fundraiser for the animals at Ching Farm Rescue and Sanctuary will be held on Saturday, November 10^th at the Wasatch Elementary School, 30 R Street from 5 to 9 pm.  Erika Tymrak, midfielder of the Utah Royals Soccer Team, will be the guest speaker.  Also there will be plenty of great items to bid on during the silent auction.  Buy tickets here 

Utah Food Bank

The Utah Food Bank distributed 39.2 million pounds of food to people facing hunger in Utah during 2017.  Each day, 392,000 Utahans (including many children) are at risk of missing a meal.  You can help support them by donating food, time and/or money.

Donating Food:  There is a virtual food drive on-line where you can fill up a grocery cart with the most needed items – with the added benefit of paying less for the items than you would at retail prices, as well as save on gas and time by doing it on-line.

Time:  Last year, volunteers worked 83,418 hours.  There are lots of opportunities to volunteer time as an individual, family or group at the warehouse.  All volunteers must sign up in advance.  Keep in mind, Thanksgiving is a popular time to volunteer, but volunteers are needed throughout the year.

Money: There are several ways to donate to the Utah Food Bank including cash, donating your used car, employers’ matching gifts, and gifts of stocks.  Check their link for further details.

Utah Human Race 5K/10K

You may also want to participate in the 13^th annual Utah Human Race on Thanksgiving morning (and burn some calories before your Thanksgiving meal) to support the Utah Food Bank.  Registration Details

Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving Day 5K

Be part of the longest “running” Thanksgiving Day event.  Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome.  Commemorative Medals awarded to participants who beat the Mayor to the finish line.  Registration Details

“Thankful 13” Half Marathon / 5K / Kid’s Race

Participate in the half marathon, 5k or kid’s race on the Jordan Parkway trail in Lehi.  Pumpkin pie, rolls and hot chocolate are available for participants at the end of the race. Registration Details 

Pilgrim 5K

The Pilgrim 5K at Thanksgiving Point is a pilgrim wear costume run which includes their iconic long-sleeved cotton T-shirt and a giant buckle hat or bonnet.  Pilgrim scenes can be found along the course, ending at Plymouth Rock where finishers can feast on pumpkin bars and drink apple cider.  Registration Details