HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The date and location of the first Thanksgiving celebration is a topic of modest contention. The traditional “first Thanksgiving” is the celebration that occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621. The Plymouth celebration occurred early in the history of what would become one of the original thirteen colonies that became the United States. The celebration became an important part of the American myth by the 1800s. However, elementary school teacher Robyn Gioia has argued that the earliest attested “thanksgiving” celebration in what is now the United States was celebrated by the Spanish on September 8, 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Thanksgiving dinner is held on this day, usually as a gathering of family members and friends.

Most of us in the Keys will be have a traditional day, spending it with family & friends. It is a quiet time with a relatively small group of visitors. Many enjoy going out to dine in one of our island’s many fabulous restaurants some serve the homeless and the elderly. But for many locals in the hospitality industry—our mainstay—that means working on Thursday. As has been a tradition over the past 6 years, Bobby Walker and staff from Bobby’s Monkey Bar on Olivia & Simonton Streets host a potluck Thanksgiving Dinner AND DOES IT AGAIN THE NEXT DAY (Friday) so that those who missed the the big day can still celebrate. What is extra special is that this “LeftOver Party” benefits Sister Season Fund, Inc, an organization dedicated to helping hospitality workers when they are sick or injured. There is a donation jar for the buffet, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and lots of great camaraderie. ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!

It is that time of year when we take time to reflect on all those things for which we are thankful - people, pets, places & things that enrich our lives every day. Whatever you do to celebrate, I wish you the best.. Thanks for caring & sharing throughout the year! Ginger

PS Don’t forget to check the calendar for all the wonderful things happening this month and for the holidays.

Ginger King is a Broker Associate in Schwartz Property Sales in Key West. She has long been involved in helping her island community and to bring the best of “Sharing and Caring” possible to make Key West & the Florida Keys the magical place it is to live. For more information about Ginger, visit www.gingerkingkeywest.com