Cerina Leeman and Taylor Corson, the proprietors of The Harbor Room in New Harbor, opened their doors on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, to hold the restaurant’s first annual Thanksgiving community dinner. The two women wanted to hold this free dinner to provide a place for friends, family, and community members to celebrate the day of gratitude together.
Paul Leeman III and Fay Bascom opened the kitchen at dawn to prepare the feast, including eight large turkeys, mashed potatoes, squash, green beans, carrots, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, while other family members helped with other tasks including Leeman’s children, 9-year-old Paul and 7-year-old Lola, who set the table, took drink orders, and cleared plates. Several employees also generously volunteered their time to help. It was a true day of giving.
The Harbor Room opened its doors from noon-4 p.m., and during that time served 60 guests as well as made several deliveries for those who couldn’t leave their homes. Although The Harbor Room and family hosted and served the meal, they received an outpouring of support from the community in the form of donations of food, time, and money that will be passed on to the local food pantries.
“We are so humbled by the amazing support we received and continue to receive from our patrons. Developing relationships with our neighbors is truly one of the best parts of this business!” said Corson.
Corson and Leeman intend to continue the tradition. “We really want to provide a hub for the community to gather and connect, and there is no better opportunity to show that than hosting this holiday meal where everyone is welcome to share a meal with neighbors, friends, and family,” they said.
The Harbor Room is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with daily specials and weekly events. For more information about this year’s Thanksgiving community dinner or to discuss next year’s event, contact info@theharborroommaine.com or call 677-0178.
