NEDERLAND - In the days leading up to the 2024 Nederland Thanksgiving Potluck the members of Team Turkey, the organizers behind the event, were running all over the Peak to Peak and Front Range, preparing. 

Collecting the donated food; shopping for utensils, plates, and other necessary provisions; gathering the centerpieces and decorations; and even fixing up the banners on the side of the highway -- Team Turkey had it all under control. 

Two days before the event, a call went out to the community: the volunteer sign-up sheet for kitchen help appeared to be short on signatures, and there were quite a few turkeys to be cooked that still hadn’t been claimed.

And as always, the community showed up. 

On the day before the event, volunteers peeled more than 100 potatoes in record time, though only 12 turkeys were dropped off to be sliced. However, the remaining 28 turkeys were brought in steadily on the day of the potluck, Sunday, November 17.

There were more than enough volunteers for the event, with people from the community eager to assist in whatever capacity, including tagging out volunteers so they could have an opportunity to hit up the potluck table before all the favorites are gone. 

The potluck table and desserts table saw a lot of love from the community, as residents across the Peak to Peak brought their favorite family recipes to share. 

In addition to Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and fresh gravy made from the drippings, the potluck table featured other classics, such as squash, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and different variations of cranberry sauces.

The Nederland Fire Protection District also served chili and sat and chatted with fellow friends and neighbors in the dining room, while Wild Bear Nature Center presented information to those interested about the progress of the new nature center. Emmet Griffin, Sarah Banker, and Brittney Wagner provided the perfect musical accompaniment. 

 Special thanks go to Team Turkey, which consists of mainstays from potlucks past -- Nate James, Danielle Knollenburg, and Michelle LaPointe -- and including Natalie Duplessy, Dan Pollock, and Isabel Szucs.

And also, many thanks to this year’s sponsors: Ace Hardware, B&F Mountain Market, Backcountry Pizza, Boogie Records, Busey Brews, Catalyze, Crosscut Pizza, Knotted Root, The Mountain-Ear, Mountain Goat Tees, Mountain Maids, Mountain Man Outdoor Store, Mountain Peoples Co-op, Nature’s Own, Nederland Fire Protection District, Nederland Food Pantry, Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, New Moon Bakery, P2P Healthy Communities, Peak Wine and Spirits, Train Cars Coffee & Kava, Tres Gringos, Wild Bear Nature Center, Zack Scott of Homestead Realty, and community member Mark Stringfellow.