T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA The Kevin Barr Event Center, formerly the Ruritan building, will host a free community Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — This time of year is all about giving for one local man who wants to feed the community in celebration of the holiday season this weekend.

The event also aims to benefit The Food Pantry of St. Clairsville.

Gage Vota is a staff writer for The Times Leader, but he also plays additional roles in the local region. One of those is owner/operator of 231 Productions, a company that books and promotes talent of various sorts to perform at area venues. In addition to arranging shows for metal, punk and rap artists, 231 Productions is also reviving a tradition of giving back to the community.

Vota explained that 231 Productions operated an entertainment venue in Moundsville prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. While hosting events in that city, the company partnered with other Moundsville businesses to offer a free meal to community members to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Although the company has left that venue behind, Vota still wants to treat his friends and neighbors to a free meal that begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Kevin Barr Event Center, formerly the Ruritan building, near the J.B. Martin Recreation Center in St. Clairsville. And some other local businesses are contributing to the cause to help Vota make it happen.

“This is the first time since COVID,” Vota said while expressing hope that the event will be well attended. “Ideal Provisions, a food truck out of Bridgeport, will provide all of the food at a reduced rate. Totally Baked Bakery of Bethesda is providing cupcakes for dessert.”

Vota is covering the cost of the meals and said that any donations he receives — either in monetary form or in the form of non-perishable food items such as canned goods — will go directly to the St. Clairsville food pantry.

On the menu Sunday are smoked turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and more.

“Anyone is welcome,” Vota said. “Donations (for the food pantry) are encouraged but not expected.”

Vota stressed that attendees do not need to be low-income or at-risk individuals to come and enjoy a hot holiday meal. It is open to everyone in the community. He just hopes that area residents will come to the Kevin Barr Event Center on Sunday afternoon to enjoy some food and fellowship, and to support The Food Pantry of St. Clairsville in any way that they can.

“Make it a ‘Friendsgiving’ without all the prep and clean-up,” the food pantry posted on social media. “We thank Gage Vota for organizing this event!”