Apple Cup’s Free Thanksgiving Dinner Spans Two Generations Over 22 Years
by Dennis Rahm
In 1996, Chelan restaurant owners Larry and Diane Peterson brought to life a dream Larry had been contemplating for many years. That dream was to bring an entire community together with a free Thanksgiving Day dinner.
The event continues to this day with the next generation of the Peterson family taking over as Larry and Diane’s son Ryan and his wife, Erin, prepare to present the Apple Cup Café’s 22nd Annual Community Thanksgiving.
Ryan purchased the family business in 2013 and told LakeChelanNow how important it is to carry on the tradition inspired by his parents. While the annual event involves a tremendous amount of work, Ryan said “it’s the community aspect of the dinner that’s most important. It’s for everyone in the Valley and it’s great to see everyone in one place.”
Turkeys take their turn in ovens provided by the Lake Chelan Eagles, FOE 2218
The typical Thanksgiving dinner at the Apple Cup Café serves well over 1,000 people with another 300 to 400 meals delivered to those who can’t get out. “Everyone is invited”, says Peterson.
This year, 44 turkeys have been provided by Sysco Foods along with the dinner rolls provided by Franz Bakery. The traditional menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin and apple pie. Tea, coffee and soda is also included.
Peterson notes that most of the servers, up to 30 per shift, are volunteers. As in past years, the event will also be used as a drop off location for food and cash donations to the Chelan Food Bank.
The Apple Cup Café Community Thanksgiving is on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Peterson Family and the entire Apple Cup Cafe Team.
