Wanderer’s Haul offers a warm table for all with first Thanksgiving meal

FAIRFIELD — On Thanksgiving Day, Wanderer’s Haul will look more like a second home than a game shop, the kind of place where people drift in for conversation, gaming nights or a sense of belonging. But this year, the store’s owners hope it becomes something more: a place where no one eats alone.

Starting two years ago, owners Kate and Patrick Hetland began opening the game store’s doors on Thanksgiving, “to fill a void we saw for people in our lives that didn't have somewhere to go for the holiday.”

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With a new location at 206 South Main Street, the couple will not only continue that tradition but add to it, as well. The new location, which they moved into in January, offers a homey feel perfect for the holidays. What makes it feel more like coming home for the holidays than a warm meal shared with others?

The Hetlands will serve the first full community Thanksgiving meal this year at Wanderer’s Haul, a milestone the owners say they have prepared for with gratitude, community support and a brand-new space.

Thanksgiving Day, they will open the store from 2—8 p.m. for regular shopping and gathering and serve Thanksgiving dinner from 4—8 p.m. It will be a pay-what-you-may meal, and everyone is welcome.

“This year something is different, we have a kitchen,” they wrote when announcing the event. “Join us for our first Thanksgiving meal at the Haul. Kate will be making all sorts of delicious holiday inspired foods.”

As Patrick and Kate stepped into this extended hospitality, they were met with the generosity of the community.

“We have received donations of food, grocery gift cards, and time,” the owners said. “So many have volunteered to help make our community meal happen. Thank you so much to you all.”

The leap from providing space to serving a full meal happened did not seem nearly as daunting thanks to the way other stepped up and stepped in to help.

Their gratitude extended beyond the meal itself. The owners said they feel thankful for a broader shift they’ve seen in Fairfield with a surge in generosity, food drives and grassroots efforts to support local families, especially during the record-breaking government shut down.

“This year we’re thankful for how much our community has stepped up to help those in need. We’ve seen businesses doing food drives, donations to food banks or the high school food pantry, and the individuals who have come together to support all of this,” they wrote. “The world could really use a lot of people caring for one another, and we are so incredibly thankful to see it happening.”

That renewed community spirit fits naturally with the role Wanderer’s Haul has carved out in Fairfield. The shop’s tables fill with long-term campaigns, one-shot games, holiday-week events and a regular crowd of people who feel comfortable there regardless of age or experience level. The store has grown into a true community hub, offering game nights, tournaments and an inviting atmosphere.

This Thanksgiving, the meal reinforces that mission. While the food will come from the store’s kitchen, the owners say the celebration belongs to the people who made it possible. They will still keep their regular store hours on Thanksgiving — people can browse, shop or simply enjoy the space — but the focus of the day is the shared meal and the shared act of caring for one another.

As Fairfield and surrounding counties prepare for the holiday, Wanderer’s Haul is not alone in offering a place at the table. Community groups, churches and volunteers across the region are preparing their own gatherings, making sure people have access to food, fellowship and the comfort of eating alongside others.

With the Haul’s first Thanksgiving dinner anchoring this year’s offerings, southeast Iowa will provide many options for residents looking for a shared holiday meal. Below is a list of Thanksgiving dinners available throughout Jefferson, Washington and Henry counties.

Jefferson County

Wanderer’s Haul — Fairfield

Thursday, Nov. 27

Open 2—8 p.m.; Thanksgiving meal served 4—8 p.m.

206 S. Main Street, Fairfield

Pay-what-you-may meal; food and cash donations welcome.

Regular shopping hours continue throughout the day.

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First United Methodist Church — Fairfield

21st Annual Thanksgiving Meal

201 North Court, Fairfield

Thursday, Nov. 27

Carryout: 11 a.m. — noon

Dine in: 12—1:30 p.m.

Carry-outs, dine in meals and deliveries are available. Reservations requested by Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 472-4303 or 641-919-6046.

Golden Magnolia Sanctuary — Stone Soup Community Kitchen (Justgiving Feast)

200 S. Main Street, Fairfield

Thursday, Nov. 27

Golden Magnolia Sanctuary will again host its annual pay-what-you-may Justgiving Feast, offering a vegetarian Thanksgiving option for the Fairfield community. Organizers wrote that “every year we put a ton of work in creating the best meal we possibly can & we’re looking forward to the mouthwatering menu we have planned,” but added that “it is rather costly though!” They are seeking sponsors and volunteers to help them meet a $500 goal for the event.

The feast will include mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, seitan “turkey,” tofu “turkey,” wild rice stuffing, bread stuffing, green bean casserole, pecan pie bars and cupcakes, all prepared for guests regardless of their ability to pay.

Washington County

Holy Family Parish — Richmond

14th Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Richmond

Thursday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

The parish invites the community to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at no cost.

RSVP by calling Joyce at 319-656-3276.

Brighton Community Center — Brighton

Free Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner

100 E. Washington St., Brighton

Thursday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Menu includes turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, rolls with butter and dessert.

Dine in and takeout options available. Freewill donations accepted.

Reservations at tommyshelpinghands1@gmail.com.

Henry County

The Fellowship Cup — Mt. Pleasant

Thanksgiving Food Pantry Distribution

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Holiday Food Baskets include a choice of ham or turkey and fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

First United Methodist Church — Mt. Pleasant

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Held at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, this annual dinner features a full traditional Thanksgiving menu, including turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dressing, corn, rolls with butter, cranberry relish and pies.

Reservations are not required but encouraged by Nov. 15 to help organizers prepare the right amount of food. Call (319) 385-1740 and ask for Karen to reserve a seat, request delivery (starting at 11 a.m.) or arrange pickup between 10—10:45 a.m.

Local churches, faith groups and businesses support the meal, including pie sponsorships from Pilot Grove Savings Bank and KILJ.

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Winfield Lions Club — Winfield

Freewill offering Thanksgiving dinner

Presbyterian Church, Winfield

Thursday, Nov. 27, 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m.

This dine in, reservation-only meal includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, dessert and beverages.

Reservations: Corriene Culver at (319) 330-6108.

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New London Community Free Thanksgiving Dinner — New London

14th annual Community Thanksgiving meal

Clark Elementary Cafeteria

401 Walnut St., New London

Thursday, Nov. 27, 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Delivery available upon request by emailing annie@powell2003.com or calling/texting (319) 457-0110.

Donations accepted via Venmo: @newlondonthanksgiving.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com