Tradition continues

But, said Grim, in the spirit of the season, Peter “Joose” January II, owner of the Aurora Bar N Grill, formerly the Roadhouse, has agreed to open the doors to his establishment for the seventh annual Christmas Day dinner.

Grim said January has been “very gracious” in allowing the tradition to carry on.

“People look forward to this meal,” Grim said. “For some people who have nobody on Christmas, this is where they come.”

This year’s dinner is scheduled to serve people free of charge from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 25 at the Aurora Bar N Grill, Highway 11 East.

Grim, who has been helping organize the annual event since it began in 2006, said event coordinators, volunteers, and January and his staff are excited to see the meal continue.

“He assured us he wants to continue the tradition and open the doors up to the community,” Grim said of January. “We are so thankful for him and his team for continuing this.”

January said it was a “no-brainer” to host the dinner.

“It is a big part of the community,” January said of the dinner. “We wanted to keep the tradition alive. I’m really excited to see the small community come together as a whole — it’s undeniably gracious.”

Last year, including takeout meals, Grim said about 650 people were fed through the annual effort that “so many in the community look forward to.”

But, while the dinner has gained a presence in Borderland during the past six years, there are still people in the community who are unaware of the dinner and could benefit from participating.

Grim, who was ringing the bell Friday for The Salvation Army at Super One, said he wished a woman a Merry Christmas and asked her what her holiday plans were.

“She told me she didn’t have any plans because she would be alone,” Grim told with The Journal. “When I told her about the dinner, she was very excited.”

As offered in years past, free rides will be available to those who want to eat at the Aurora Bar N Grill, but have no transportation. To reserve a free ride, call the grill at 218-540-0136 from 2-6:30 p.m. Those who call should include their phone number, address and pick-up time.

“We just want to make sure everyone who wants to come is able to,” Grim said.

Grim stressed circumstances do not designate who is eligible to attend the dinner. For those who celebrate Christmas only by attending the community meal, the event is as much about fellowship and togetherness as it is about the food.

“It is for everyone,” Grim said. “Single people, families, those in need, everyone.”

John Winkel, who along with his family will volunteer at this year’s event, said the togetherness of the community is what draws him.

“We don’t have a lot of family in town,” Winkel said of why he has volunteered for the past three years. “It is nice to go spend the holiday with a bunch of different people, and help out with a great community cause at the same time.”

Grim echoed Winkel’s comments and described the overall spirit at the dinner as “unbelievable.” He noted it is always pleasing to enjoy the company of each other and the entertainment throughout the meal.

The Falls Community Orchestra is among some of the musical entertainment expected to perform at some point during the afteroon.

Because the event is free, many donations are made and Grim said any money collected is donated to the Falls Hunger Coalition.

The Christmas Day dinner is based entirely on volunteers, and Grim said people are still needed to help make it a success.

“Everyone who gets involved really enjoys themselves and they really make a difference,” he said. “Volunteers come help because they want to be here and experience such a joyous community spirit.”

Volunteers are needed to serve food, bus tables, greet people at the door, wash dishes, etc. Grim said anyone interested can call the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 283-8606 or email the church at holytrinityif@midconetwork.com.

“We appreciate everyone and anyone who can help,” he said.