The Halloween candy is gone (or hidden). The midterm election is over. While we don't have the fall colors they see in other parts of the country, the temperatures have gotten cool enough for a cozy fire (or at least to turn off the AC).
Time to think about Christmas, right? Just kidding, Thanksgiving fans. We've got you covered.Whether you want to help others in our community or enjoy some Thanksgiving football and other events, here's your guide to Thanksgiving in Acadiana.
Help your neighbors
Thanksgiving is a holiday that reminds us to appreciate the people around us— and give back where we can. There are several ways you can help others in our community.
Here are some options:
Meal delivery. Waitr will be delivering holiday meals to families in need this Thanksgiving.Users who order food through Waitr's delivery service can click a "Donate a Meal" button after they place their order, or they can make donations directly through Waitr's website.
MORE:Have yourself an eco-friendly holiday party
Serve up some sunshine.St. Joseph Diner, which serves meals to people experiencing poverty and homelessness, is in need of volunteers.You can help out by signing up for a 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.weekday breakfast shift.Sign up with a friend or family member you may not see as often as you'd like.Volunteer tasks include things such as sanitizing the dining room and kitchen, cutting fruits and vegetables, slicing bread and dessert, preparing meal trays, washing dishes andorganizing food pantry donations.Sign up for a shift by visitingcatholiccharitiesacadiana.org/volunteer-calendar.
Donate some food. The third annualThanksgiving Dinner for residents of St. Landry Parish will be hosted at South Street Elementary in Opelousas from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. It is for anyone not fortunate enough to have a Thanksgiving dinner or someone with whom to share Thanksgiving Day. Anyone interested in making a donation towards the Thanksgiving Dinner can contactToni Effingger at 337-793-5738.
(We will continue updating this list as more opportunities become available.)
Burn some calories
On Thanksgiving eve, you can burn some calories and help out a good cause at the 16th annual Camellia Crossing: Acadiana's Gleaux Run.All funds raised stay in Acadiana to fund our mission to help families fight, survive, and live with cancer.
- When: 5:30 p.m Nov. 21
- Where: Town Square River Ranch
- Cost: $35 for adults, $30 for children. ($5 discount if you register by Nov. 11) Your registration includes gleaux gear, a gleaux-in-the-dark Camellia Crossing t-shirt, a standard race bib, timing chip, and complimentary serving of food and drinks.
- Benefits: Miles Perret Cancer Services
For more information, go toraceroster.com/events/.
Are you ready for the big meal?
Thanksgiving2018 grocery store hours in Lafayette
How to decorate yourThanksgivingtable on a budget
Restaurants open onThanksgivingDay in Acadiana
Gear up for holiday shopping
The Daily Advertiser's biggest edition of the year — the Thanksgiving Day newspaper —will once again be available the day before Thanksgiving.
Want to get a jump on your Black Friday shopping?This special edition will be stuffed with more than 40 Black Friday sale inserts and high-dollar savings from local retailers.
Typically weighing in at more than 3 pounds, the Thanksgiving edition will be sold from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at The Daily Advertiser, 1100 Bertrand Drive, while supplies last. Each edition will be $5.
MORE:The best pre-Black Friday deals you can get right now
Watch the Mighty Lions march
For the first time ever, the Lafayette High School Mighty Lions Band will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.The parade will be on Nov. 22, 2018 in New York City. The parade will air live at 10 a.m. on NBC. Or you can watch the parade's live stream through its website or mobile app.
Or watch some football
You can watch theSaints host the Falcons in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The game will also be televised at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 on NBC.
If, for some silly reason, you're not a Saints fan, these NFL games will also be played on Thanksgiving Day.
- Bears at Lions, 11:30 a.m., CBS
- Redskins at Cowboys, 3:30 p.m., FOX
Thanksgivingfootball schedule: From the NFL to NCAA, here's who's playing
Get in the mood
If you're still trying to get in the Thanksgiving mood, here's some related reading to get you started:
Readers share Thanksgiving mishaps
Have an eco-friendly Thanksgiving
Why Thanksgiving is the best of all holidays
A guide to giving grace
MORE:Join us for a holiday cookie decorating workshop
Looking for recipes?
7 recipes for a Creole Thanksgiving spread
Locals dish on their fave Thanksgiving foods
Video: Three Thanksgiving dishes you can make in an Instant Pot
Try these leftover turkey recipes
Thanksgiving throwback: Vintage side dishes
Make smoky turkey corn chowder with bacon
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