‘Twas several days before Christmas in 1989  When Neil, Ruth and eleven or so of their close friends found themselves with no Christmas dinner invitations or plans. Because houses on Gabriola were much smaller then, they could not find a house to suit them all. 

So, what did they do, you may be asking yourself. Well, a couple of them happened to be pondering this question over tea and coffee at their favourite diner, Suzanne’s (for the Gabriola newbies, that’s the current home of Ground Up!). Suzie the owner had overheard the group's dilemma and approached the table. “Ahhhh.. I hear you are in need of a place for Christmas Dinner? Well, I am about to close the diner down for the season. Why don’t you use the diner and kitchen. You' d be more than welcome” she said. 

And that is how the first Christmas meal filled with laughter, good food and much spirit
became the first Gabriola Spirit Feast. For many years the Feast was held at Camp Miriam as the Camp had the only kitchen on the island that could cook all the turkeys at the same time. Each year the feast grew and each year the Boulton's provided turkeys, the grocery store made donations, and the Lions helped out.

Decorations were put up for many years by the Velsen family; Pat and Chris often played chef and several others as well. The dinner was always delicious, Santa appeared and gave out books, socks, hats and mitts as well as a few toys for kids. Somewhere along the way, a vegetarian nut loaf was added to meet the needs of the community's variety of neighbours. After dinner there was always music. 

 

Once the Commons kitchen was built, the meal was cooked and then driven down to the Community Hall. The Hall is a challenge to decorate but the Velsens or Brenda Halliwell always made the room feel like home. And still the dinner was delicious, the parking was great, and seniors could attend. Santa still comes on occasion, and small gifts of mitts and socks are collected at the Gabe Shop and given out at the dinner. 

 

Surprise, surprise one year the power went out and we had turkey on a bun with an outdoor fire at the Fellowship Church. Oh, the memories…

During both COVID years, the dinner was served to 275 residents via pick up or delivery, each in a bag decorated by the elementary school children, with a small token gift.

Now it’s 2024 and Spirit Feast is still going strong. This event is open to everyone in our community but most of all, for those who find themselves without a dinner invitation or a house too small, or alone for some reason. The Gabriola Spirit Feast still creates laughter, good food, and community spirit. Don’t forget to register as space is limited!