Photos: Deer Park Embraces Thanksgiving Spirit With Community Events

A bird’s eye view of the annual Thanksgiving banquet at Deer Park High School, featuring rows of tables filled with thankful participants enjoying a meal and connecting with both new and old acquaintances.

Deer Park begins the holiday season with two heartfelt traditions highlighting the community’s spirit of giving. A welcoming Thanksgiving banquet and the distribution of meal kits ensure neighbors can come together and enjoy the season’s warmth.

Deer Park residents have begun the 2024 holiday season with two beloved Thanksgiving events that exemplify the town’s sense of community and generosity. Christ’s Church of Deer Park held its annual Thanksgiving banquet at Deer Park High School, offering attendees a free, home-cooked holiday meal. Later in the month, the Deer Park GreenHouse served as a distribution point for Tom’s Turkey Drive, supplying families with the ingredients to create their own Thanksgiving feasts.

The Thanksgiving banquet was held on November 23rd. It welcomed guests to the high school to enjoy turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes. This event started in 2002 with Loon Lake café owner Leona Sargent and has grown to serve over 800 meals annually. It continues to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the community to come together and share a meal, fostering a deep sense of inclusion and gratitude.

The Deer Park GreenHouse, located at 125 N. Park Avenue, hosted its annual Thanksgiving meal distribution event on November 26th, providing holiday meal kits to 250 families. Pre-registered participants received complete meal packages, including a turkey and traditional side dishes, ensuring a festive dinner at home. Volunteers, including representatives from Miss Deer Park, assisted with the distribution. The event was part of Toms Turkey Drive, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Established in 1999 by former Spokane meteorologist Tom Sherry, the initiative has become an established tradition of holiday giving in the Spokane region, delivering thousands of meals to families each Thanksgiving and continuing its mission of spreading kindness and generosity.

Christ’s Church of Deer Park, Greenhouse, Miss Deer Park, Tom’s Turkey Drive

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New Midway Market Opens Along Highway 395

July 31, 2026

Shoppers traveling along the Highway 395 corridor now have a new grocery and fueling option in Colbert following the soft launch of Midway Market last weekend. The 18,000-square-foot facility houses ten specialty departments, including an artisan bakery, full-service meat counter, and an on-site coffee roastery. Management is preparing for an official grand opening event on August 5 to showcase the full operation to the community.

In Memory of Don/Donnie Gilmore

July 18, 2026

Donald “Donnie” Eugene Gilmore of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 22, 1952. In 1973, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty for two years. In 1983, he graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Washington University. Don was a beloved teacher at Springdale Elementary for 25 years. He even got to teach his two sons when they were in the fifth grade (much to their chagrin!). He retired in 2015. Don was married to Denise
Wurz (Lesmeister) from 1983 to 1995.

US 395 Lanes Reopened After Collision Near Monroe Road

June 16, 2026

A traffic collision at the intersection of North US Highway 395 and West Monroe Road temporarily blocked northbound traffic. Emergency crews, including multiple fire units and ambulances, responded to the scene to treat individuals and manage traffic flow. All lanes have since been cleared and reopened to regular traffic.

Roberta Anne Cade

June 12, 2026

Roberta A. Cade, 81, of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on April 19, 2026. Roberta was the oldest of eight siblings, a role she carried with strength, care, and a deep sense of responsibility throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and for giving so freely to her friends and family.

Deer Park Kicks Off Summer With Packed Weekend

June 12, 2026

Deer Park area residents can look forward to a busy weekend filled with community events, fundraisers, and live entertainment starting this Friday. Activities ranging from a downtown block party to a charity golf tournament offer something for every member of the family. The multi-day lineup includes local businesses, musicians, and charitable organizations working together to welcome the summer season.

Luitgard Margrete Griffin

June 8, 2026

One of a kind is what most people stated about Luitgard (Margaret), and that is truly what she was! She was born in Bamberg, Germany, to Johann and Betty Wagner, as the second child. She had an older brother, Hans, and a younger sister, Elfriede.

Luitgard was trained as a seamstress in school and worked making men’s suits, among other things. She met the love of her life, Albert Leroy Griffin, in 1951, and they were married on December 6th, 1952.

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Settlers Day Highlights: A Snapshot of Our Community

Want to see what made Deer Park’s 2025 Settlers Day unforgettable? Our slideshow captures all the highlights, from marching bands and local royalty to class reunions and a live VFW tribute you won’t want to miss.

July 31, 2025

This Weekend, Bounce Around Deer Park For Settlers Fun

Starting this Friday, Deer Park’s Settlers Day weekend features many old and new events to keep you hopping around town. People can see a lively parade, rodeo, fire station demonstrations, youth baseball tournaments, and a farm swap. Food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the town. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to give back at a Special Olympics fundraiser, complete with water fights involving local fire and law enforcement personnel.

July 23, 2025

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