The tradition started about 20 years ago, and is now continued by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA).

The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will have one change this year.

ECMA member Reverend Jerry Nolte of the First United Methodist Church says Thursday’s feast will be held at the former Fanchon building, now called the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Old U.S. Highway 40.

It’s the new home of Rose Garden Steak Haus & Catering, formerly called Pam’s Bakery, which does all the cooking:

The community Thanksgiving meal was started by by Florence Wear at the Corner Garden Restaurant.  When it closed in 2007, EMCA took over.

About 300 people are expected to attend the free Thanksgiving dinner, which starts at noon.