EDGEMONT — Two days before the town was blanketed in its first snow, Edgemont area residents had the option of two community feasts held on a beautiful Thanksgiving Day last Thursday, Nov. 27.
The meals, held at the public library as well as the senior citizen’s center, each had an array of holiday food expectations to feed those who may not have been able to prepare a full meal this year and who were grateful for the fellowship.
“As he ages and I age, it’s a little bit more of an appreciation to be able to spend another Thanksgiving with him,” said Devon Hartley about her father Bruce. Devon moved away from home for a while, but eventually moved back to the hometown in which she was raised.
“I probably have spent the majority of my life living close to them,” said Devon referring to family. “I went away for a while and then came back to South Dakota and I love it here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else and I wouldn’t want to raise my children anywhere else. And just being able to do this, to spend holidays together and be with each other, that’s nice.” Devon’s son Leroy, who is a young Kansas City Chief’s fan, adds that he is thankful for sports.
Troy Pierce also brought his family to the library’s Thanksgiving feast and promptly replied “wife and kids and family,” when asked what he was grateful for this year. Along with him were his two daughters, Kelsey and Samantha Pierce.
“My family,” said Kelsey when asked what she was thankful for. “And sports [like] soccer, basketball and track.” Kelsey’s sister Samantha was thankful for “friends and family.”
At Edgemont’s senior citizen center, residents rolled in throughout the three hour mealtime to partake of some excellent Thanksgiving meal treats. Turkey, ham, sides and pies abound; nothing was missing. The center even set up a meal delivery system to get meals to those who were homebound and couldn’t attend either event in person. Mayor Rhetta Reagan confirmed that the center delivered five meals to homebound residents this Thanksgiving.
“I’m thankful for life in Edgemont. It’s been a blessing, it truly has,” said Donna Ramsey. “We retired here and have no family, so the fact that we’re sharing it with friends is just a joy.”
Jean Richards, who was there with husband John, also expressed her gratitude for living in Edgemont.
“I think I’m very thankful that we’re living in the town that we live in,” said Jean. “And everybody’s so generous and helpful. It’s wonderful.” Her husband John agreed with the two ladies and is thankful for “… the town, the community and the people that are in it.”
One of the last families to visit the center for mealtime was Vonda Jarman and daughter Autumn Boyle with her kids. While the kids chowed down the home cooked meal, Vonda expressed her joy of being together with family.
“Family and being down here.” Vonda touts. “This is amazing.” Autumn agreed wholeheartedly. “Just everything. My family.”
Edgemont puts the 2025 Thanksgiving behind them and with full tummy’s and warm hearts prepares for more holiday adventures and another snowy winter.