Thanksgiving is a traditional time for connection, gratitude, and warm meals shared among neighbors. For 30 years, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation’s Central City Recreation Center has hosted its free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, bringing joy and nourishment to hundreds of community members. The public is invited to attend and become part of this tradition.
Event Details: Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Date: Tuesday, November 25
Time: 5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Location: Central City Recreation Center, 615 S 300 E, Salt Lake City
“As we celebrate 30 years of our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, we’re reminded how much this tradition means to our community. It’s always been about service, connection, and making sure everyone feels welcome at the table,” says Central City Recreation Staff.
The meal is lovingly prepared by faculty and staff from Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Culinary Arts Institute, who have partnered with the recreation center for the past 12 years. The culinary team will be cooking 150 pounds of turkey, to create a festive feast. Preparation starts the day before to ensure dinner is ready for an estimated 300 attendees.
“This meal is about more than food. It’s about community,” shared Chef Troy Wilson of UVU’s Culinary Arts Institute. “We have students, faculty and staff all coming together to roast 150 pounds of turkey, whip 100 pounds of potatoes, and serve pie and gravy to anyone who needs a holiday meal. After more than a dozen hours of cooking and serving, seeing hundreds of people leave with a smile is the greatest reward.”
