^[1]Thanksgiving week has arrived, and as you take note of the many things you are thankful for, don’t forget to consider all the great events on our community calendar this week. We’ve got community Thanksgiving services in both Cornelius and Davidson, a holiday choir and orchestra performance, a Thanksgiving and Christmas parade and Turkey Trot 5Ks. Save room on your calendar for after-Thanksgiving happenings such as the Cornelius Lemley Fire Department’s Christmas tree sale, the Light up Cornelius tree lighting at Town Hall, a Colonial Christmas event, a comedy showcase as well as live lake music. Read on for details about these events and to find out about others.

The Town of Cornelius and Bethel Presbyterian Church come together on Monday evening to host this year’s Cornelius Community Thanksgiving Service ^[2]. Pastors from churches around the area will gather, and a combined choir from these churches will perform.

The Davidson College Choir, the North Carolina Chamber Orchestra and several guest soloists will join together to perform a perennial favorite and help to usher in a season full of joy and thanksgiving as they present “Handel’s Masterpiece ^[3].”

Even though Thanksgiving is not quite here yet, the Town of Mooresville will be hosting its Christmas parade ^[4] on Tuesday afternoon from 3:30-5pm. The parade will begin at the intersection of Statesville Avenue and Main Street, traveling south about 1.5 miles and will feature floats, marching bands, dance and tumbling troupes and a wide selection of modes of transportation.

Later on Tuesday, local churches, civic leader and residents will gather for the annual Davidson Community Thanksgiving Service ^[5] at 7pm. Held at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Reverend David Buck of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will preach followed by a choir performance under the direction of David Brinson.

On Wednesday, before preparing your Thanksgiving feast, take time to peruse the Christmas tree selection at the Cornelius Fire Department ^[6], or head to Davidson Town Hall where the 2014 Jack Burney Community Service Award ^[7] will be awarded to longtime residents Connie and Eddie Beach of South Street. (See “2014 Burney Award goes to Connie and Eddie Beach.” ^[8]

On Thursday before your pop the bird in the oven in preparation for you afternoon feast, burn some pre-meal calories at the Mooresville Turkey Trot 5k ^[9]. This 4th annual event will kick off at Mooresville Christian Mission at 8am.  There’s also a Lake Norman Turkey Trot ^[10] in Cornelius, with 10K and 5K races starting from Gold’s Gym, off I-77 Exit 28.

In Uptown Charlotte, the Thanksgiving Day tradition that began in 1947 continues as the city presents its annual parade ^[11]. Complete with dance and choral performances, marching bands from around the region, larger-than-life floats, balloons and some of your favorite characters, this year’s parade will kick off the holiday season at 9:30am off of S. Tryon Street.

Whatever you do on Friday, don’t get on the scale, but do head to Latta Plantation in Huntersville to experience a Colonial Christmas ^[12] as you walk through the cotton plantation, see period Christmas décor, meet Father Christmas and learn about period Christmas traditions. The event begins on Friday at 10am and runs through Saturday. It is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and ages 5 and under are free.

If you’re like the Grizwolds, you’ll certainly be picking out your holiday tree on Friday. The Cornelius-Lemley Fire Department has hand-cut a wide selection for you to choose from at their sale which is held at the corner of Catawba Avenue and North Main Street. ^[13]

The only thing better than a plate full of leftovers the day after Thanksgiving is The Bella Love Comedy Showcase ^[14]. This night of laughs will include the comedic talents and antics of 10 local stand-up comics on the stage at Kadi Fit at the Oak Street Mill.

Also, on Friday evening, Rusty Knox will perform at Summit Coffee ^[15], and the Bonfire Band will perform at the Rusty Rudder ^[16].

“For each new morning with its light, For shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

We wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.