Thanksgiving Historic Meals, Races, Crafts and Stories in Hartford County, CT

Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to teach our children how to display gratitude. Especially now when after the latest unfortunate weather events that occurred in the northeast left many families in need. We can teach our kids to be thankful for our own health, safety, shelter and well-being while at the same time helping out others who are less fortunate. Not only are there many ways you and your family can help out others but you can also take the time to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with one of these themed events.

During this time there are many ways to assist the families who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. Help by making a donation to the Red Cross or bring items of need to donation sites. CT Shoreline’s Occupy Sandy is organizing a volunteer event trying to coordinate a group of volunteers to carpool into NYC to help out on Saturday November 17. The town of Fairfield has partnered with Operation Hope to launch a disaster relief fund. Donations can be made by credit card online. Make sure to indicate that your donation is to be used for the Fairfield Storm Sandy Relief Fund in the drop-down box on the right-hand side of the webpage.

Travel back in time at The Welles Shipman Ward House in Glastonbury where a historical Thanksgiving event will be hosted on Sunday November 18. From 1-4pm the house will be transformed to depict the holiday celebration in 1800 colonial Glassenbury. There will be demonstrations, tours, historical food samplings and more. All ages are welcome and admission is $3.

Saturday November 17 and Wednesday November 21 at 11am, enjoy a turkey themed story time at the Barnes and Noble in Manchester. For some festive fun in honor of Thanksgiving, the children’s book "10 Fat Turkeys" will be read with a craft to follow.

An annual Thanksgiving tradition is the Manchester Road Race which has taken place on Thanksgiving for its 76th year. It has become one of the most popular and colorful road races in the nation. The streets are filled with costumed runners and spectators, live music and food vendors. Line up along the side streets to cheer on the racers as they reach the finish line.

On November 18 from 1-3pm drop in at anytime to Michael’s craft store for their free Thanksgiving craft event. Your crafty child ages 3 and up can make a “What I’m thankful for ring ornament” while supplies last.

Enjoy and have fun!