Thanksgiving is a feast and celebration of family, friends and the bountiful blessings we receive throughout the year. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans, giving thanks for the first harvest at the Plymouth Plantation in 1621. The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims to farm, and that desire to help others has carried on. Today, Thanksgiving is recognized as a day to give thanks and celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It’s acknowledged as the beginning of the holiday season, so Christmas lights and holiday music are a-plenty.
Little Rock’s River Market Pavilion has reopened the Ice Rink this holiday season. The Arvest River Market On Ice is located at the River Market’s open air pavilion through January 8, 2012. The cost is $9 per person and children under 4 are free. It is open on Thanksgiving if you would like a little exercise this Thanksgiving holiday.
Volunteer opportunities are available if you would like to give back on Thanksgiving. The Little Rock Compassion Center feeds the community at noon. It is open to anyone, and officials with the center expect 800-1,000 people this year. You can volunteer to serve, clean or donate funds to buy the goods being prepared. 3618 W. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock.
The Arkansas Queen Riverboat will host a Thanksgiving dinner cruise. Participants will enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal with live music and fireworks to top off the evening. Two cruises are scheduled to accommodate travelers. 100 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock.
In Cabot, 25 miles north of Little Rock, a community feast is being offered by the Grace Fellowship Church. The meal is free and available from 11am-2pm on Thanksgiving Day. This is an opportunity to feast with your community. The meal is being prepared and served by members of the Church. 601 W. Elm St., Cabot.
Arkansas is the Natural State, and many state parks have lodging and activities with Thanksgiving dinner to offer this holiday. Take advantage of a Thanksgiving get away and enjoy the great outdoors. Visit http://www.arkansas.com/search/?q=thanksgiving for information and locations this Thanksgiving weekend. Bring the whole family and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning.
To truly kick off the holiday season, local talent will perform with Russian dancers in Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. The performance will be held at the Robinson Center Music Hall Sunday November 20 th at 3pm. Tickets are range from $30-$70 for the performance.