Hundreds of people gathered at the Gettysburg Days Inn and the Hilton Garden Inn on Thanksgiving Eve for the first-ever Gettysburg Community Thanksgiving Dinner, a grassroots effort that quickly grew into a county-wide celebration of generosity.
“It’s a blessing,” said David, an all-day volunteer. “For the volunteers, the guests—the whole community.”
What began less than a month ago as Stephanie Auer’s plan to prepare dinners for 10 families in need soon expanded into a major community event. After one offer to fund 20 more meals, the idea snowballed—more donations, more cooks, more helpers, and even a local merchant offering dinner rolls. As the count grew, the dinner evolved from serving families in need to welcoming anyone who wanted companionship or a traditional holiday meal.
The turnout was so large that organizers used two locations: Days Inn for takeout meals and the Hilton Garden Inn for sit-down dining. The menu featured turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, corn, corn muffins, cranberry sauce, desserts, and plenty of fresh Adams County cider.
The PA Dairy Princess representatives, Bry Keller and Sarah Rutledge, greeted guests with containers of milk, with chocolate proving especially popular.
Entertainment filled both sites: Santa’s visit, music from multi-instrumentalist Michael Smith, and face painting by Smile on Yu Face and Body Art. For many children, choosing a present was the highlight. “Some of the kids burst into tears when they heard they got to pick out a present,” Auer said.
Travelers passing through Gettysburg joined locals. Jan Trachtman, visiting from New York City, said, “Everyone was so nice. It looked like a very nice community dinner.”
Volunteers and guests described the atmosphere as warm and uplifting. “It brings out the light in people,” one attendee said.
By day’s end, organizers reported 1,063 meals served. Exhausted but elated, Auer told volunteers, “Forever grateful for all of you. And before you ask—YES, Christmas dinner is a go. Donations are already coming in. Stay tuned. It’s now a movement.”
Meanwhile, St. James Lutheran Church welcomed the community to its annual Thanksgiving Eve dinner, filling the fellowship hall at 109 York Street with the comforting aroma of home-cooked dishes and the warmth of good company. The free meal began at 5:30 p.m., with many guests staying afterward for the church’s 7 p.m. Thanksgiving Bluegrass worship service.
The menu reflected tradition and generosity: pork and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy, ham and green beans, applesauce, and a spread of homemade desserts. John Doerfler once again prepared the main dishes, while parishioners contributed side items and desserts, turning the gathering into a true community feast. The offering collected during the worship service will support Gettysburg CARES and Adams Rescue Mission, continuing the congregation’s longstanding commitment to local outreach.
Rev. Libby Baker-Mikesell led the evening’s message, delivering both the sermon and a heartfelt children’s reflection that lit up the sanctuary. The worship service took on a celebratory tone thanks to live Bluegrass music from a multigenerational ensemble featuring vocalists Tom Bender, Jesse Holt, Ernie Kranias, and Ed Riggs; Allie Crowell on bass; Shannon Kaye and Gary Spence on guitar; Ryan Kozak on fiddle; and Gill Waldkoenig on mandolin.
St. James plans additional holiday events in the coming weeks. A free Breakfast with Santa will be held Dec. 6, from 8 to 11 a.m., complete with photos, crafts, and games. On December 21, the Master Singers of Virginia will present a 4 p.m. concert, also free and open to the public.
