Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Orangevale, California, is gearing up for a feast-filled celebration. If you’re looking for ways to make this holiday special, you’re in luck. We’ve got a cornucopia of events and ideas to fill your Thanksgiving with fun, food, and community spirit.

Community Friendsgiving: Because Friends are the Family You Choose

Mark your calendars for November 21, 2024, because the 4th Annual Community Friendsgiving is coming to town. This heartwarming event will be held at the Orangevale Grange, where locals gather to share a meal and give thanks for the bonds of friendship. It’s like Thanksgiving, with less family drama and more opportunities to make new pals. Who knows? You might even find someone willing to trade their drumstick for your slice of pumpkin pie.

Bowl for Turkeys: A Different Kind of Turkey Trot

Forget running; this year, we’re bowling for turkeys! The 5th Annual Turkey Bowl 2024 is rolling into Orangevale, raising funds for the OV-FO Food Bank. This quirky fundraiser pits local business owners and community leaders against each other in a battle for bowling supremacy. But the real winners are the 500 local families who’ll receive Thanksgiving dinner thanks to this event. So grab your bowling shoes and get ready to strike out hunger!

Deck the Halls (and Tables) with Thanksgiving Flowers

Want to add a touch of floral flair to your Thanksgiving table? Sherwood Florist in Fair Oaks has got you covered. They offer same-day flower delivery, so even if you forget until the last minute (we’ve all been there), you can still impress your guests with a beautiful centerpiece.

Their Thanksgiving designs start at $44.99, with options ranging from fall-themed arrangements to classic rose bouquets. And if you’re feeling indecisive, you can always opt for the “Designer’s Choice” and let the pros work their magic. Just remember, flowers don’t taste as good as turkey, so don’t try to eat them no matter how pretty they look!

Dress Up Your Dressing

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a show-stopping dressing. If you’re tired of the same old stuffing, why not try Ree Drummond’s famous ThanksgivingStuffing recipe? This Pioneer Woman staple promises to be a crowd-pleaser, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Just don’t blame us if your guests start fighting over the leftovers.

Mashed Potato Mastery

Mashed potatoes are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving dinner. They’re the perfect vehicle for gravy, soak up cranberry sauce like a champ, and are a lifesaver when Aunt Edna’s turkey turns out a bit dry (again). Check out Ree Drummond’s foolproof recipe for the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes this side of the Mississippi. Warning: These spuds are so good that you might forget about the turkey altogether.

Beyond Orangevale: Turkey Day Adventures

If you’re willing to venture beyond Orangevale’s borders, a whole world of Thanksgiving fun is waiting for you. Just a short 30-minute drive away in Sacramento, you’ll find the Run to Feed the Hungry, a Thanksgiving morning tradition that lets you work up an appetite while supporting a good cause. Or head to nearby Folsom (about 15 minutes from Orangevale) for their annual Turkey Trot, where you can burn off some calories before the big feast.

Several restaurants in the greater Sacramento area offer special holiday menus for those looking to outsource their Thanksgiving cooking. From traditional turkey dinners to more adventurous culinary experiences, you will surely find something to satisfy every palate.

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not take a scenic drive to Apple Hill? Located about an hour east of Orangevale, this charming area is famous for its apple orchards, wineries, and Christmas tree farms. While many farms close for Thanksgiving Day, it’s a perfect pre- or post-holiday trip to stock up on fresh pies, cider, and holiday decorations.

So there you have it, folks – your guide to a gobble-worthy Thanksgiving in and around Orangevale. Whether you’re bowling for turkeys, Friendsgiving with neighbors, or whipping up a Pioneer Woman-approved feast, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this holiday. Just remember to wear your stretchy pants – you’ll need them.

Sources: give.ovfocf.org, Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation Facebook Event, thepioneerwoman.com, sherwoodflowers.net
Header Image Source: Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash