Queenies Bake Shop in Port Hope held their 14th annual Thanksgiving meal on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Starting at noon, Adam Pearson and his staff started handing out a free turkey meals to whoever stopped by the store on Walton Street in downtown Port Hope.
While people waited at the front entrance for their meals, a number of musicians volunteered their time on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.
“It’s been a gorgeous day,” said Pearson.
All of his staff came in on their day off and volunteered their time for the annual event.
“One of them was in Ottawa at school and came back just to do this.”
“We enjoy doing this. We enjoy giving back to the community who support us throughout the year.”
By approximately 1:30 p.m., over 120 pounds of turkey along with corn, potatoes, gravy, stuffing and carrots were gone.
Pearson is also very grateful for community members helping out with one giving a turkey weighing over 40 pounds,
Happenstance Bakery also donated a number of loaves of bread for stuffing.
Over the last three days, approximately 22-hours, Pearson has been getting ready for the annual tradition, “but at the end of it, it’s well worth it. It’s food, something that’s needed for everyone.”
But as Pearson says, looking out the window onto the sidewalk outside his store with the band playing, it’s much more than a meal.
“It’s the socialization as well. The band is doing an incredible job bringing the community together.”
On Sunday, people that have never met because friends, with one person bringing out her accordion and joining the band.
People were also generous giving donations to the food bank.
“That’s why we do this – to bring the community together and everytime we do this it never ceases to amaze me. It’s incredible what this community does for us.”
Shortly after the interview with Today’s Northumberland, Pearson picked up his guitar and was jamming with his musician friends on the sidewalk.
Next year will be the 15th annual, and Pearson said he wants to do something “special” for the occasion.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
