Miller Foods on Arch Road has had an annual tradition for more than 20 years, an outdoor Thanksgiving tent where turkey and trimmings can be purchased for the holiday. It will be open this year from Nov. 19-23.
A grand opening of the tent will be held Saturday, Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. Free coffee will be served by Avon Patch staff, and tours offered of the historic Horse Guards barn on nearby West Avon Road that the Avon Historical Society is working to restore.
“We wanted to help bring awareness that the Society is raising money for the barn,” Capri Frank of Miller Foods said.
Miller’s is also participating in the Marines Toys for Tots drive in participation with The Perfect Toy. The Avon-based shop will have toys available for sale during the five days the tent is open.
In addition to the Avon Historical Society, other non-profits participating in the tent this year include The Salvation Army, the Farmington Valley Visitors Association, the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton, the Avon Lions club, the Avon Chamber of Commerce and Leashes Save Lives.
Children’s book author Molly Ostroski of Farmington will also at the tent, as well as J. Foster’s ice cream of Avon and Simsbury.
On Sunday, Nov. 20, area Boy Scouts will hold their annual Service Day at Miller’s for the first time ever, their project being participation in the Toys for Tots drive. Barn tours will again be offered.
Miller Foods opened the tent earlier than usual this year to host several “Thanks for Giving” events geared to show appreciation to community organizations. A turkey chili dinner was served to veterans on Veterans Day; lunch was served to police K-9 officers who feed their canine partners Miller’s line of raw pet food; Oma’s Pride; Miller Foods participated in the annual Jack Bannan Turkey Trot; and turkey dinner was served to members of the 1st Governor’s Horse Guards, a neighbor on Arch Road.
Monday night at 6:30, Miller’s will host an appreciation event for the Fidelco guide dog community.
Regular tent hours are: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (free coffee 8:30-11:30 a.m.); and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Miller Foods is located at 308 Arch Road on the corner of West Avon Road (Rte. 167). For information on food items available for purchase under the tent, call 860-673-3256 or visit http://millerfoodsonline.com.
