Equinox – An Albany Thanksgiving Dinner Tradition.

It started in 1969, as a holiday meal for 200 college students who were staying in the area for Thanksgiving.  Today the Annual Equinox Thanksgiving Community Dinner is the largest and longest running holiday tradition in the Capital Region.   Want to get involved? Over 3,000 volunteers are needed to help create approximately 9,000 Thanksgiving meals for the lonely, elderly and homeless people.  Preparations began last weekend at the Empire State Plaza cutting vegetables, mashing potatoes and slicing fruit for the Equinox meal.

Ingredients for the meal include approximately 10,000 pounds of Turkey,  3,000 pounds of ham,  1000 pies,  600 dozen dinner rolls,  50 gallons of cider and endless fruit.

If you would like to volunteer call 518-434-0131.  There are some simple rules and suggestions to keep in mind if you are heading over to the Empire State Plaza.

Keep in mind food is prepared at the Empire State Plaza and dinner is served at the Presbyterian Church in Albany.

Park in the "V" visitor parking lot.  Please note parking will be very difficult on Thanksgiving day.  Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.  Bring a baseball hat so you can avoid wearing a hair net.  If possible its a good idea to have a apron.  Leave personal belongings at home or in the car.   Find the registration table on the concourse level of the plaza.

If you would like to deliver meals on Thanksgiving, you will need to arrive at the Plaza no later than 8am and bring a large container to help carry the meals you will be delivering.  Recipients are told to be ready to receive meals between 9a and 1p.

Most importantly, be prepared to work and have fun!