Annual Christmas Friendship Dinner set to feed thousands of people on Christmas Day

WASILLA — On Dec. 25, thousands from across the Mat-Su Valley will gather inside the Menard Sports Center for the annual Christmas Friendship Dinner. This free event welcomes all walks of life and is designed to bring locals to eat together who would otherwise be alone on Christmas.

“It’s just a good gathering time to meet people and show you care,” Mat-Su Food Bank executive director Eddie Ezelle said.

This event was founded and continues to be operated by the Christmas Friendship Dinner Steering Committee, a group of community-minded volunteers. All the food will be provided free of charge with one goal in mind: to share the holiday experience with others.

The Christmas Friendship Dinner Steering Committee works year round collecting donations and gathering food and other resources to ensure this Valley tradition stays on track. They also keep the event going with the help of local sponsors like the City of Wasilla, Houston Lions Club and Mat-Su Food Bank.

Last year, about 4,500 people attended. About 600 volunteers worked together and served 130 turkeys, 600 pounds of ham, side dishes, desserts, and rivers of gravy.

Ezelle said that the Mat-Su Food Bank recently brought over loads of donated carrots, potatoes and turkeys.

“I think they’re looking for a pretty good-sized crowd this year, bigger than last year. Things get bigger and bigger every year,” Ezelle said.

In addition to free food, there will be live music performed by local artists. The Alaska Celtic Pipe and Drum plays every year and typically kicks off the event. In years past, musicians spontaneously come together and perform onstage.

“It’s a good community project and people seem to enjoy it. It’s good food and good fellowship,” Ezelle said.

For those unable to attend, meals will also be delivered to households. There will also be a shuttle service available for anyone who requires transportation.

“Please join us – as guest or volunteer - as we work together to bring the magic of Christmas to the Mat-Su,”- taken from the event page on Facebook.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are not accepted at the door to ensure no one mistakes those donations as admission and everyone knows this is a free event.

“Of course, they’re always needing volunteers,” Ezelle said.

To find out more about the event and how to volunteer, call 907-315-6115 or visit www.christmasfriendshipdinner.org

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com