By Clifford L. Williams

Autumn is in the air, which means the holiday season is getting ready to set it off, and one of the biggest holidays is celebrating Thanksgiving.

Oakland’s Two Star Market, a family-owned, community-oriented convenience store, located at 2020 MacArthur Blvd. (off Fruitvale Avenue in the Dimond District), is gearing up once again to recognize the special holiday with its 20^th Annual Thanksgiving Community Celebration Thursday, November 24, between 1:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m.

To make this a successful event, Two Star is seeking at least 100 volunteers to help with serving the throngs of people expected to attend. Volunteers should bring their own aprons and oven mittens.”

Volunteers interesting in helping to feed residents should text Aleja Rambonga at 510-847-9398 or alejarambonga@gmail.com.  Donations are welcomed by visiting www.2starmarket.com. For more information, call 510-531-3576.

Similar to last year, the annual Thanksgiving meal will be modified because of the lingering pandemic which has determined how large groups of people can gather and celebrate during festive times.  Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask as well as social distancing. Masks will be provided upon request.

Already, the Market’s staff is stocking up for the big meal and making arrangements to reconfigure its parking lot to handle the nearly 800 guests who attended last year, and the many more who are expected to attend the free event this year.

Food will be served buffet-style to guests, and there will be limited seating outside throughout the day. Families with more than two members will be able to take additional dinners with them.

Farouq Alawdi, manager of Two Star, the former historic site of the Tepper Hotel and Beer Garden, said his staff and volunteers are ready to feed an anticipated 1,000+ guests during the afternoon celebration feast. “We are prepared to cook 100 turkeys, 500 pounds of grilled chicken, side dishes, and plenty of pies for dessert,” said Alawdi.

“All of the turkey dinners are provided by Two Star Market,” said Alawdi. “We’ve been serving these hot dinners for the past 19 years, feeding local residents, as well as people from other cities. It is our way of paying back to the community because without them, we wouldn’t be here. The community has helped to sustain our business since we first opened in 1983.”

“The dinners have become a tradition that began with my grandfather back home in Yemen. It was during the Holy Month of Ramadan where dinner is served for those in need.  So, 19 years ago, my brother Adob, and our dad, decided to continue that tradition here in the United States. It was the best way to give back to the community.”

“When we first started here in Oakland, it was just for local residents, and over the years we’ve reached out to provide dinners to anyone who wanted a Thanksgiving meal. Past celebrations had guests coming from Richmond, Hayward and Fremont.”

Alawdi said “the only thing the public needs to bring is a good appetite and have fun while listening to live entertainment including DJ-provided Latin jazz, old-school and rap music.” Children attending the event will also enjoy playing in a jump house and other activities at the venue. An assortment of donated clothing and shoes will be available for attendees.

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