One of Concord’s longest standing Thanksgiving traditions will continue this year, as the Smirnioudis family will again serve a free Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their Windmill Restaurant on Loudon Road.
The meals have been going on for more than 20 years, with a free dinner – described by Michael Smirnioudis as “the whole kit and kaboodle” – offered up to anyone who wants to attend. The tradition was started by Louie Smirnioudis, who passed away in 2013, and has been carried on by his sons and the rest of the family.
“It’s one thing we guaranteed when everything happened (with my dad) was that we’d keep it going,” Michael said. “It means a lot. His presence is felt during the day. It’s a great way to give back to the community before you go home and enjoy it with your family. It really puts a perspective on everything.”
The key to the whole tradition is community. Not only is the meal free, but almost every bit of food is donated. It’s a feast, for sure, complete with turkey, beans, mashed potatoes, squash, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pies and cakes for dessert.
“It’s all homemade from donated turkeys from people in the community,” Michael said.
And there’s still time if you want to make a donation. Most of the last minute donations are pies and things that need to remain fresh, but if you want to drop off a turkey or any other food before the big day, just stop off at the Windmill.
The food is made by an army of volunteers that is as large as 40 people at a time, Michael said, so large he has to tell some potential volunteers to sit and eat rather than crowd up the kitchen. The Smirnioudis family does encourage some children to volunteer with their families, though, for commendable reasons.
“We tell family friends with kids (to bring them to volunteer) so the kids can learn how to get into the giving spirit,” Michael said. “We don’t want people to lose their giving spirit during the holidays.”
The meal is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also delivered to those within reasonable driving range. Michael estimated they usually serve between 1,000 and 1,200 meals. Last year the day featured 62 turkeys and 400 pounds of squash and potatoes.
The giving spirit of the meal is particularly resonant among those who don’t have other means to obtain a Thanksgiving feast, but Michael wasn’t about to label it as anything but a celebration for anyone and everyone in the community.
“It’s open arms to anybody,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who it is, if you want to come enjoy a family environment with a Thanksgiving meal, come on in.”
