Holiday tradition set to continue; Christmas dinner primed to return for 18th year
Published 10:22 am Friday, December 11, 2015
In 2013, Gladys Bliss puts out a table setting as her family gets the St. Olaf dining room ready for the annual community Christmas Day dinner Tuesday morning. The meal was started in 1998 in honor of Gladys’ son who died in a dirt bike accident in 1998. — Herald File Photo
The 18th annual free Christmas dinner will take place in the Fellowship Hall at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 301 First St. NW, on Christmas Day.
The dinner continues to be in memory of Gladys Bliss’ only son, Peter Klein, who grew up with four sisters. He died in 1998 after he broke his neck riding a dirt bike near Maple Island. He was 32.
The family set up the dinner in his memory soon after. They previously told the Herald it’s been a blessing for others every year since: those who have no family, nowhere to celebrate on Christmas or simply need the fellowship.
The traditional dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with ham, turkey and all of the trimmings. It is open and free to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Register at St. Olaf or call 507-437-1700 to register and sign up.
Christmas Day Dinner
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day
Where: Fellowship Hall, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 301 First St. NW.
Cost: Free.
Registration: Encouraged but not required. Register at St. Olaf or call 507-437-1700 tor egister and sign up.
