Good food, good company, and an open door for anyone who needs a place to go — that’s the spirit behind this year’s Friendsgiving gathering at Blue Collar Bar & Grill in Sparta.
Owner Beau Burlingame is inviting the community to a warm, welcoming Thanksgiving Day potluck, carrying forward a tradition that began years before Blue Collar opened its doors. Burlingame said the goal is simple, to make sure no one spends Thanksgiving without a warm meal or a place to go.
“Everyone should have a hot meal on Thanksgiving, so we are opening our doors from 3–8 p.m. for anyone and everyone to come eat, drink and party a little on Thanksgiving Day,” he said.
This year’s Friendsgiving Potluck at Blue Collar will take place Thursday, Nov. 27 from 3:00–8:00 p.m. at 121 E Oak St., directly across from the Sparta Fire Station.
“This is our fourth year of doing Friendsgiving, and our first year doing it here at Blue Collar,” Burlingame said. “It started out as a bunch of regulars who decided to hang out, watch football, and drink a few beers.”
What began as an informal holiday hangout soon evolved into something richer — a shared meal built by neighbors, regulars, and anyone spending the holiday away from family.
Burlingame said Friendsgiving has grown each year.
“Last year, we really upped the ante and got a bunch of to-go containers, and invited the whole community,” Burlingame said. “It’s a great option for folks who don’t have family, empty nesters and so on.”
This year continues that tradition and marks its debut at Blue Collar’s newer and larger space. Guests are invited to gather at Blue Collar’s long bier-haus tables for a cozy, come-as-you-are evening of shared dishes and shared company. Anyone able to bring a dish is welcome to contribute. A sign-up sheet is available at the bar.
As of Nov. 19, community members have already committed to bringing items such as homemade pie, pulled pork from a home-smoked pork butt, dinner rolls, potatoes, succotash and more — with additional dishes continuing to fill the list.
Attendees don’t need to bring anything to take part. The goal, Burlingame emphasized, is simply to make sure people have a place to go and a warm meal to enjoy.
“Our doors are open,” he said. “Everyone is welcome.”
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