NEDERLAND - 2025 has been a trying year for many, and especially to the Nederland community, which has endured in the wake of the Lakeview Fire.

The response to the loss of the Caribou Village Shopping Center has brought forth a torrent of generosity, showcasing Nederland’s spirit of giving. And now, just over a month later, it’s that time of year for the resilient people of the Peak to Peak to gather together and give thanks. 

This Sunday, November 16, at the Nederland Community Center from noon to 3 p.m., it’s the return of that beloved tradition, the Nederland Thanksgiving Potluck: a delicious meal “provided by the community for the community.” 

Over the past few weeks the town has been in a flurry. As the fall months fly by, and the early signs of winter start to appear, local residents shuffle to prepare. But there’s been another urgency in the community’s industriousness—bringing relief to those affected by the fire.

In addition to all the fundraisers and benefit concerts, there have been been boots on the ground, as people have offered their goods and services, have donated clothes, food, their time, and their money, to help business owners rebound and move forward. 

And amid all this busy scuttling, residents have managed to find time to line up at The Market at Nederland to pick up over 40 frozen turkeys, readying their ovens to prepare up to 400 pounds of the holiday favorite for the annual community tradition.  

Volunteers have been signing up to be a part of Team Turkey, led by a dream team of locals. They help peel hundreds of pounds of potatoes on Saturday, November 15, and help carve up the turkeys as they’re brought in. Then they make about 10 gallons of gravy for the big day. 

As in years past, Team Turkey will greet residents as they come to the center on Sunday, help take donations, dish out delicious Thanksgiving staples, and pour the gravy, while the kitchen team keeps those staples stocked and dishes clean.  

The potluck table will fill up with the best dishes the people of the Peak to Peak region have to offer, as locals are always more than willing to share their family recipes. The dessert table is also where community creativity will shine, as it will become full with a profusion of pies, a bounty of brownies, and a cornucopia of cookies.

From noon to 3 p.m., though the food is certainly the star, the most important part of the Nederland Thanksgiving Potluck is taking the moment to sit and enjoy a meal with your friends, family, and neighbors. To share space, come together, and let out a collective sigh, leaving 2025 behind and moving forward into new chapters.

On November 16, among the music, merriment, and mirth, when it comes time for the people of Nederland to express gratitude, they should consider giving thanks for one another, for being strong and resilient in the face of brutal change, and for carrying the soul of community as they support their fellow residents when they’re down and at their most vulnerable. 

The Thanksgiving Potluck is a free event open to all, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. All of this year’s proceeds go to the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Fire Relief Fund to support those affected by the Lakeview Fire.

Don’t forget to bring your own dishes to help make the potluck a “zero waste” event.

This year’s event will feature live music by Sarah Banker, and activities for kids by Wild Bear Nature Center (WBNC). It is sponsored by Ace Hardware, The Market at Nederland, Busey Brews, Catalyze, Crosscut Pizza, The Mountain-Ear, Mountain Maids, Mountain Peoples Co-op, Nederland Fire Protection District, Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, New Moon Bakery, P2P Healthy Communities, Peak Wine and Spirits, Train Cars Coffee & Kava, WBNC, Zack Scott of Homestead Realty, community member Mark Stringfellow, and the Town of Nederland.

The Nederland Thanksgiving Potluck will be held at the Nederland Community Center at 750 North Highway 72 on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information go to: https://nedthanksgiving.wixsite.com/community