As we dive into the best part of the year with the holidays full of cheer, Thanksgiving is just right around the corner! The holiday for food and family has been around for ages, and is part of the foundation of the United States. 

The first Thanksgiving took place back in October 1621, back when travelers settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts to feast. 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims celebrated the first harvest in the new world by gathering together for a 3-day feast of the crops. Ever since, Thanksgiving has become a national holiday to celebrate with family and friends that we are thankful for. 

Thanksgiving takes place the fourth Thursday of every November. We take the day off to sit at home and relax, surrounding ourselves with people we love. Here, in Pahrump, on Thanksgiving, we have many events that help out families that can’t afford the expensive meal or the homeless that don’t have a family. Here in Pahrump, there are places you can pay to feast at. VFW has a dinner for vets for free, Members are $4.00 (with children it is free) , non member is $8.00 (with children it is $4.00).

On Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade hits the television. It is a very popular parade that has floats of characters including NHL, Sesame Street, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more! They also have live singing, The Rockettes, and at the end of the parade Santa Claus  makes an appearance for the beginning of the holiday spirit. It is quite popular for families to watch this on Thanksgiving Day as the food is cooking in the kitchen and everyone is gathered around watching the television. 

What are some foods people eat on Thanksgiving? The most popular, turkey! Turkey is usually the biggest thing on the dinner table, did you know it was considered to be our national bird! Kenny Weaver, Assistant Principal of PVHS said he has “All the typical stuff”. What is the typical stuff? In my family, we all gather round the television for the parade and everyone gets a job. You either have to get out dishes for the table, or peel potatoes. As the jobs are done, we start setting up holiday decorations.  

Barbara Schubauer, waitress at The Roadhouse says she’s most thankful for “her friends and family.” She also explains how she has been watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade her whole life!

Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for the loved ones you surround yourself with. Always remember to spread love and joy, not just during the holiday and thankful season. What are you most thankful for this year? What are your Thanksgiving traditions?