Apple Cup Café: traditions kept in the spirit of giving

CHELAN – Apple Cup Café will once again be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Apple Cup Café, located at 804 E. Woodin Ave. in Chelan, will be providing a community dinner of all the traditional holiday foods, including turkey, yams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, corn and a dinner roll, and for dessert they are providing an option of either apple or pumpkin pie.
There is no charge for the dinner, “it’s not necessarily just for those who need it,” explained manager Ryan Peterson, “the intention was always to be a community dinner, for the community to come in and break bread together.” Pre-orders are also being taken for Thanksgiving Dinner, just call and provide delivery location and how many plates are needed.
Twenty years ago, owner Larry Peterson began the Thanksgiving Dinner tradition, “he always wanted to do it,” said son Ryan, “he came from a restaurant background, and always had the idea for a community Thanksgiving Dinner.” For the last 10 or so years, Ryan has carried on the tradition. In light of the 20th anniversary, Larry will be present for this year’s dinner, greeting the community as they come in to share a meal.
While the volunteer signup list fills up fast, there are still several important positions that are in need of more volunteers, including delivery drivers and clean-up crew. Every year, anywhere from 400 to 500 deliveries are made on Thanksgiving Day, and up to 1,700 people served in the restaurant.
There will also be a collection for the food bank present, collecting non-perishable foods and cash donations.
Ryan Peterson and the Apple Cup Café staff would like to thank the Lake Chelan Eagles, Chelan Printing Company, Sisco Food Services, and everyone else who continues to make this tradition possible for the community.
For pre-orders call 682-2933.