City of Augusta invites entire community to “The Feast Before The Feast”

Posted: Nov 14, 2023 / 11:28 AM EST

Updated: Nov 16, 2023 / 06:20 AM EST

AUGUSTA (WJBF) – The City of Augusta is welcoming EVERYBODY out to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Braswell Manigault Foundation and the Augusta Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up to host the annual Feast Before the Feast.

The entire community is welcome to participate in The Feast Before The Feast to enjoy fresh food, beverages, and fun with fellow community members.

Last year thousands of people came out to enjoy the event. This year organizers are expecting around 4,500 people.

Preparations for the dinner are well underway. The traditional turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese and lots of other delicious dishes will be served.

Members of the community can come out to eat and to fellowship with each other.

Last year the event was held at three locations, but this year it has been expanded to five.

For organizer Monique Braswell, it’s all about community and family.

“Everything that’s on this menu is actually on my menu at home,” Braswell explained to NewsChannel 6’s Kim Vickers.
“So you’re making your family Thanksgiving for the community?” asked Kim.
“Absolutely,” said Braswell.

Braswell and about 20 volunteers spend hours cooking and serving the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Student chefs from Augusta Tech’s culinary program prepare the turkeys and hams.

The event is free and funded through donations and sponsors.

Braswell said she looks forward to the event every year.

“I think it’s very important for people to know that this is for everybody. This is for everybody. We don’t care who you are. We just want you to come out and enjoy some of this great food.”

The Feast Before the Feast is being held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at various locations throughout the Augusta area.

View a list of those locations below: