ST. LOUIS — It's a countdown to the Thanksgiving holiday and people in the Cherokee Street neighborhood got a jump start Tuesday evening.
For the past 10 years, moms, dads, their little ones and business owners in the south St. Louis community have gathered for the Cherokee Street Thanksgiving Potluck.
"We love Cherokee Street," Amanda Krebel said.
Of course, they come to fill up on turkey, all the trimmings, desserts and more.
"Everyone comes in and we all just become a family," Krebel said. "We're actually open to the homeless."
Krebel enjoyed hosting the event at her live music venue, The Golden Record.
She came to the Thanksgiving celebration with her three daughters and some friends.
"We have other events too, but this is the one where everyone gets together. We eat, we share and the kids get to run around. It's really family-friendly," Krebel said.
"I'm so thankful for my family," said Alfred Montgomery. "Well, this is what community looks like."
Montgomery shared the special moments with his two sons, a 4 and a 5-year-old.
"During the pandemic, we weren't able to get out together like this, so I'm excited and happy to be back out," Montgomery said.
"For many who come to this event, you know they don't have a family to spend Thanksgiving with," Emily Thenhaus, the event organizer, said. Others may live out of town and show up, so this is really their holiday celebration. It's just a good time."
Ten years ago. 40 people attended the first Cherokee Street Thanksgiving Potluck.
On Tuesday night, about 400 people showed up.