Sykes' signing up volunteer help for annual dinner

If you have a hankering to help peel 700 pounds of potatoes or clean up after 1,200 people, Sykes’ Restaurant and Market can use you.

The popular downtown Kalispell eatery is getting ready to host its traditional free Thanksgiving Day dinner and is assembling crews to help put on the annual feast. Volunteers are needed not only on the holiday but also the day before for food preparation, Sykes’ Market General Manager Jayson Peters said.

Those wanting to help should call 257-4304 to sign up.

Sykes’ also is taking cash donations to help defray the $5,000 to $6,000 cost of the community event. Donations can be dropped off at the restaurant or mailed to Sykes’ at 202 Second Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901.

The Thanksgiving meal is a tradition that former owners, the late Doug and Judy Wise, started decades ago. It brings together people of all ages and incomes to enjoy a meal and fellowship.

Serving will begin at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving and continue until 2 p.m. A buffet line will be set up for the first time this year in the new Sykes’ Market so that diners can choose what they want before heading to seating in the restaurant.

“We’re planning on about 1,200 people,” Peters said. “Last year we served 1,000 people.”

Home deliveries will start at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day for those not able to come to the restaurant.

Call 257-4303 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. by Tuesday, Nov. 22, to make arrangements. Meal pickup also is available, but those choosing that option also are encouraged to call by Tuesday.

The menu includes turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, various relishes and pumpkin pie.