From free meals to fun runs, our 2022 roundup of central Maine Thanksgiving events

Victoria Green serves peas and carrots Nov. 10 during the Alfond Youth & Community Center’s Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first time the center hosted a sit-down Thanksgiving meal since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dinner was held a bit earlier this year so the center could avoid scheduling conflicts with other festivals and events in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel file

Many activities and events are scheduled for this holiday week across Kennebec and Somerset counties.

Towns, churches and community organizers are planning Thanksgiving Day meals Thursday, with all the fixings, and many other events are planned, including auctions and fun runs.

A roundup of events scheduled for this week throughout the region:

IN AUGUSTA, Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., MIKA Augusta will host a Thanksgiving Day Camp at 46 Bangor St. Parents of K-6 students can sign up their children for a day of karate, team sports, arts and crafts, dance parties and more. For information, call or text 207-441-6452.

3 p.m., the Augusta Elks Lodge will host a “Gobbles and Goblets” happy hour ahead of the holiday at 397 Civic Center Drive. There will be live music from Tom Morin and drink specials. For information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Thursday from 6 to 8 a.m., the Kennebec Valley YMCA will host its annual Turkey Burn Workout at 31 Union St. The event is open to all and costs $10, or $5 if you bring a friend. Attendees can use the fitness center, or attend spin and boot camp classes. All proceeds will benefit the KV YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. For information, contact co-ordinator Shayna at shayna@kvymca.org.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Le Club Calumet will host its annual community Thanksgiving dinner at 334 West River Road. The meal is free, but donations are accepted and will benefit the Augusta Bread of Life Kitchen. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

IN FAIRFIELD, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with food served at noon), those in need can enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner at 144 Oakland Road. Sign up if you want to attend at the Fairfield food pantry or at Victor Grange Hall in Fairfield Center. For information, call Tim Martin at 207-314-1640.

IN GARDINER, Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Augusta Masons will host a free Thanksgiving dinner at the Gardiner Boys and Girls Club at 14 Pray St. They will also offer meals to go. Those who do not have transportation or prefer home delivery can make arrangements by calling Kevin Campbell at 207-504-3073. If interested in helping with meal preparation, call Ed Brownell at 207-968-2073, text 207-649-6080 or email gryphon@fairpoint.net.

IN HARMONY, Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., the First Baptist Church will host a free Thanksgiving dinner at 20 High St. All are welcome.

IN JAY, Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a Thanksgiving food drive on the front lawn of Spruce Mountain Elementary School at 12 Tiger Drive. All proceeds will go toward Thanksgiving meals and food for local families in need. For information, contact Norma Jackman at 207-897-1121 or njackman@rsu73.com.

Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m., Bean’s Corner Baptist Church will serve a free Thanksgiving meal at 17 Chesterville Road. They ask that you register ahead of the event by using an online form, commenting on the event’s Facebook page or calling the church at 207-645-2925.

IN JEFFERSON, Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m., the area food pantry will have a special opening ahead of the holiday, offering the usual fare plus traditional Thanksgiving sides. The pantry is located at the St. Giles Episcopal Church at 72 Gardiner Road.

IN LITCHFIELD, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with dinner served at 1 p.m.), there will be a public Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Litchfield Sportsmen’s Club and Michael and Connie Fletcher at 2261 Hallowell-Litchfield Road. Admission is free, but donations, covered dishes and desserts are greatly appreciated. For information, contact Michael Fletcher at 207-331-4719.

IN OAKLAND, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 33rd annual sit-down dinner will be held at Messalonskee High School, 131 Messalonskee High Drive. All are welcome and the meal is free. Those who would prefer free meal delivery to their home can call 207-578-1109 to arrange. For information or to volunteer, call Mike Perkins at 207-716-6968, Jess Garten at 207-458-9479 or Mike Marston at 207-314-8780.

IN PITTSFIELD, Wednesday at 5 p.m., the Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge will host its annual pie auction at 140 Middle St. Organizers will auction pies, cookies, cakes and other goodies ahead of Thanksgiving Day to benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. The event is for anyone 21 or older. For information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

IN SKOWHEGAN, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the town’s Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Thanksgiving community dinner at the Community Center, 39 Poulin Drive. The meal is free, everyone is welcome and no reservations are needed. Meal delivery will be available within a 5-mile radius in Skowhegan. To arrange, call 207-474-6901 or email skowrec@skowhegan.org.

IN UNITY, Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Unity House of Pizza will host musician Riff Johnson for a Thanksgiving eve performance at 118 Main St.

IN VASSALBORO, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Renarda’s Kitchen will provide a full Thanksgiving dinner for $18.95 a person at 796 Main St. Organizers are also offering dinners to-go. For information or to reserve call 207-616-0704.

IN WATERVILLE, Thursday at 8 a.m. Soul Revival Studio will host a 75-minute Thanksgiving fundraiser practice combining meditation, readings, journaling and yoga at 147 Main St. The donation-based session will benefit the Maine chapter of the Brain Injury Association of America. Participants should bring water, layers and a writing implement. Cash or check accepted. For information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

8:30 a.m., School Street Yoga will host a free Thanksgiving day yoga class to “move our bodies before the big meal.” The event is limited to 15 in-person at 5 School St., but will also be available online. For information and ticketing, visit the event’s Facebook page.

11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Lighthouse will provide a free traditional turkey dinner with many dessert pies. The dining space is operated by the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen at 38 College Ave. For information, visit its website — www.watervilleareasoupkitchen.com.

Champions Fitness Club will host its 20th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Run race at 30 Elm Plaza. Registration for the 5K or 10K is at 7 a.m., and the races begin at 8 a.m. There is a $20 registration fee. For information, visit Champions Fitness Club’s Facebook page.

9 p.m., Drip City Arcade Bar will host a Turkey Day Tourney, a doubles pong tournament with a $20 entry fee at 99 West River Road. For information, visit the event’s Facebook page.