Waterfront Cafe serves turkey on Thanksgiving: feeding the soul

Football is always on the menu for Thanksgiving.

But, in La Conner, it’s just the appetizer.

That’s because Guy and Marla Vallee and the folks at Waterfront Cafe make it possible to feast on fellowship and a free five-star turkey dinner as well.

It’s a favorite holiday tradition here going on over the last decade.

“We decided in 2009, with the economy being tight, that there were probably people who could use a free meal on Thanksgiving,” says Guy. “We also knew there were people with no place to go, that maybe they were separated by long distances from their families, or just wanted to get together with friends.”

That means on some Thanksgivings more than 100 plates are served, including deliveries for shut-ins and those who have to work.

This Thanksgiving was one of those. A steady stream of locals plus nearly three dozen people from a tour group broke bread at the downtown diner starting at 12 Noon.

“We’re scheduled from 12 to 3,” says Guy, “but people roll in whenever they can. We’ll serve them as long as we’re here.”

He and Marla wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We feel blessed to do it,” says Marla. “It’s always an amazing day.”

She and Guy are themselves thankful for their staff and a loyal corps of volunteers that makes the annual event possible.

Town Councilman Bill Stokes, for instance, bakes the fruit pies that nicely complement the main course.

There are so many people involved, the cafe’s kitchen being a hub of non-stop activity, that the couple can make time to greet diners.

And even submit to a quick newspaper interview.

As with football, a lot of prep work goes into the dinner beforehand, says Guy. Particular care is taken in ordering top-quality turkeys, and having enough food ready for the all-you-can-eat format.

As is always the case, diners last Thursday offered – insisted, actually, Guy says – on making donations in exchange for the meal.

“Because people want to donate,” Guy says, “every year we pick a charity to support. All the money that’s donated goes to that particular charity. This year we picked two – the Skagit Humane Society and leukemia.”

Those donations usually represent hundreds of dollars, meaning the timeless blend of food, fellowship, and fundraising for worthy causes has made for an enduring and winning Thanksgiving game plan.

One with a host of fans.

There are those who’ve made the Waterfront Cafe a regular stop on Thanksgiving and others who drop in from parts unknown.

“It’s really a cool mix of people,” says Guy. “We love it.”