CRESTONE — Over the past two decades, the Crestone/Baca Grande communities have come together for an annual Crestone Community Thanksgiving celebration potluck. This tradition is a testament to shared values of gratitude, community, camaraderie and unity at the event. 

The get-together was at the Crestone Charter School and benefits the nonprofit Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) group based in Saguache County. 

NHN acting president Mary Lowers told the Valley Courier, "We had about 300-400 people attend and cooked about 30 turkeys. We provided mashed potatoes, stuffing, and salad, and everything else was potluck.” 

The dozens of potluck dishes were laid out on long tables to complement the traditional Thanksgiving fare. 

“We raised $1,814 in donations to NHN, and we are so grateful,” said Lowers. 

The NHN website describes the Thanksgiving event as "possibly the most hug-filled event of the year," an accurate statement as seen and experienced by this reporter.  

The Crestone area is known for its dark skies, eclectic personalities, and spiritual centers. Several Buddhist monks from a nearby Zen center were in attendance. 

Nick Nevares, a sponsor of the event, told the Valley Courier, "We haven't had it here in the Charter School in four years, and it is nice to be back. We have over 200 seats, and we are almost full. I'm so happy we are able to use this facility, and I'm grateful." 

The Charter School serves about 90 K-12 students and is part of the Moffat Consolidated School District. In 2006, the Colorado Department of Education named the high school one of the state's top three schools for academic achievement. 

Lowers thanked the Charter School and said it was a "beautiful location." 

Barbara Vandeberg of Crestone said, "This is one of the best community events of the year. You can visit with people you haven't seen in a long time. People honor many of the dietary needs when they bring a dish. I'm gluten, soy, egg, and dairy-free. All the food is labeled, and I can tell if it is gluten-free or has dairy in it. That is so very thoughtful. Very kind people." 

Local resident Patrick Moore said, " I've lived here for over 15 years, and this event is the height of the season for everybody in the community. So many members of our community come here to wish each other well and give thanks. We give thanks for the special place that we are." 

Former longtime Mayor of Crestone, Kairina Danforth, said, "I just look around in awe. This is the twentieth consecutive year. The people of the Town of Crestone have provided a magnificent Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in the community who would like to come. Twenty years with no exception; I'm not sure how many other communities have done that. It is great to see people, community, and delicious food. I feel blessed and grateful to be a part of this community." 

Neighbors Helping is a nonprofit and donations can be made on their website www.nhncrestone.com.