LIHU‘E — Anyone who wants to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, gravy and all the fixings is invited to the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Luncheon today. The annual event is being held from 10 a.m. to noon at
LIHU‘E — Anyone who wants to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, gravy and all the fixings is invited to the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Luncheon today.
The annual event is being held from 10 a.m. to noon at both the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall and the Salvation Army, Hanapepe Corps., located next door to the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center.
Lt. Joy Groenleer of the Salvation Army, Lihu‘e Corps., said she strongly suggested to people on the Thanksgiving food distribution wait list to visit the luncheon where they can dine on Thanksgiving faire and enjoy entertainment at the same time.
“We increased the amounts this year,” said Envoy Larry Groenleer. “The Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity has indicated they will be doing 550 lunches for delivery. We expect another 800-900 people at the convention hall so we had to up the numbers.”
This number reflects an increase in attendance to about 1,500 people as compared to the ceiling of 1,000 people in previous years.
The Groenleers said there were 50 turkeys prepared by Chef Guy Higa and the culinary staff at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club and another 10 turkeys prepared by the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria staff.
The Barbecue Inn on Kress Street in Lihu‘e came forward and will donate and prepare the ceremonial turkey which is usually carved by the mayor, said Joy.
Entertainment will be provided by the Lihu‘e Senior Center ‘Ukulele Group and Hula Group, Elvis impersonator Jeff Dorn and Larry Rivera who will be celebrating the release of his eighth CD this Sunday at Borders Books and Music.
“The Hanapepe Corps has all of the senior groups on the Westside,” said Envoy Larry. “They do a really good job of entertaining themselves.”
J Robertson, director of the Ho‘ike Community Television and former radio sports announcer, will be hosting the Hanapepe Corps luncheon.
Larry said in addition to the turkeys, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa roasting the Hanapepe Corps’ birds, the pumpkin crunch was prepared by the Kaua‘i Community College culinary arts program and Gaylord’s, the mixed vegetables were provided by Safeway Stores, and Jay Furfaro coordinated the gravy and stuffing.
The Thanksgiving luncheon marks the start of the holiday season for the Salvation Army and Larry said the red kettles, an icon of the holidays, will start making their appearances around the island starting Friday.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
