Biggest turnout ever at Christmas with Nick

December 26, 1997

By LISA GRAYBEAL

Staff Writer

After preparing 50 turkeys, 50 hams, mounds of mashed potatoes, tubs of stuffing and succotash, and buckets of gravy, Nick Giannaris didn't think he'd have to worry whether there would be enough food.

But then he didn't expect the turnout for the 12th annual Christmas with Nick, a free Christmas dinner served at his Four Points Hotel at 1910 Dual Highway, would far exceed last year's total of about 1,200 people.

It was the first year he had to put a stop to people taking a meal home if they'd already eaten at the afternoon dinner.

"This is absolutely, without a doubt, the biggest turnout we've had. I don't know if it's because word has gotten out about this or because the weather is so good or whether more people need a place to go," said Ed Lough, volunteer coordinator for the dinner.

Though a total head count wasn't taken, Lough estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 Washington County residents showed up for the free meal.

Volunteers were also working on filling a stack of dinner orders from shut-ins who requested delivery.

"We try to make sure everyone has something to eat," Lough said.

A line of people began forming at the hotel's grand ballroom entrance at 10:30 a.m., a half hour before the doors were supposed to open, Lough said.

Rather than keep them waiting, dinner workers opened 15 minutes early and it was nonstop until closing at 2 p.m., Lough said.

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