Ellicottville Hosts Second Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Ellicottville comes together for a festive buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, with live music, community volunteers, and local donations.
ELLICOTTVILLE - The spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well in Ellicottville! The Rotary Club of Ellicottville, in partnership with St. Paul’s Ellicottville Lutheran Church, invites all community members to their Second Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 6360 Route 242 East.
“We’re so excited to be able to make this dinner an annual tradition,” says Darlene Allen, Rotary Committee Chairperson and event organizer. “We anticipate serving up to 300 guests during this festive gathering, which is designed to offer a safe, welcoming, and warm environment for everyone in the community.” Whether you’re dining solo, bringing the family, or looking to connect with neighbors, this event is open to all - no reservations required.
Attendees can look forward to a traditional turkey dinner served buffet-style, with all the classic fixings that make Thanksgiving special. Before you enjoy your meal, take in the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar provided by local musicians Jim Shook and Dale Ludwick. The evening promises plenty of good food, lively conversation, and music to set a cheerful tone.
To ensure no one misses out, Ellicottville realtor Tina Dillon is offering local meal delivery for those unable to attend in person. Please call 716-464-5646 to coordinate. The goal is to bring everyone together and make this Thanksgiving memorable for all.
Events like this thrive on community support. The Rotary Club and St. Paul’s are seeking volunteers to help with everything - from setting up and serving meals to delivering food and coordinating rides. It's a rewarding chance to give back and experience the heart of Ellicottville’s caring community. Ellicottville Central Elementary School and the Cattaraugus-Allegany Board of Cooperative Educational Services (CABOCES) are both supporting this year’s dinner. “It’s so exciting that our educators have involved their students in this charitable event. Their contributions are sure to complement the gourds, pumpkins, and decorative corn that Lisa Pawlowski of Pumpkinville donated,” said Darlene. “I’m so grateful to the community. We have over 50 people who have volunteered to help make this event a success.”
Those who wish to support the dinner can also make donations online at https://auctria.events/CommunityThanksgivingDinner2025 to help cover the costs and ensure this tradition continues for years to come. “The generosity we’ve experienced is overwhelming,” said Darlene. “Cash donations from West Herr, Fitzpatrick & Weller, and the Great Valley Fire Department really gave us a jumpstart on hitting our fundraising goal along with a sizable donation from the local community. Ellicottville Bake Shop donated 150 pumpkin pie tarts and Cupcaked donated 4 dozen cupcakes as well as volunteered to manage the display of desserts donated from the community. The presentation of the dessert table last year was the icing on the cake so to speak; we’re looking forward to their special touch this year.”
Everyone is welcome at the table and encouraged to bring friends, family, or simply a hearty appetite. The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is more than just a meal - it’s a celebration of kindness, generosity, and the special connections that make Ellicottville home. Don’t miss this chance to share in the joy of the season!