Ovens will be occupied with turkeys Thursday, the scent of homemade pumpkin pie will waft into the air and families will gather for belt-busting feasts before sitting down to watch the football game.
Those who aren't able to travel and be with family this Thanksgiving, want to burn off the calories beforehand or are just looking for a good, hot meal, there are plenty of community events in Harford County that people can attend to ensure a fantastic holiday.
Before stuffing their faces, locals can take a run or walk at the fifth annual Bulle Rock Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning.
The 5K and walk, which benefits the Susquehanna Hose Company, will begin at the Residents' Club at The Residences at Bulle Rock, 1200 Bulle Rock Parkway in Havre de Grace, with registration at 8 a.m., warmups at 8:45 and the race starting at 9 a.m. Registration is $25 through Wednesday, $30 the day of the event, which will go on rain or shine.
After the race, around 10:30 a.m., prizes will be given to participants in the following categories: 14 and younger; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60-plus.
To register or for more information, visit bullerockturkeytrot.com; email info@HeartSmartfFoundation or call 410.939 8700.
Also in Havre de Grace, the high school's student community group SMILES (Service Makes Individual Lives Extra Special) will hold its 24th annual dinner 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving day at St. Patrick's Church Hall on Pennington Avenue.
The dinner, which is put together by the student-run group and community volunteers, is free. To volunteer, contact in-school sponsor Elaine Bennett, 410-939-6600.
Last year, group founder Don Osman said, 700 meals were served with 500 of them delivered to residents in Harford and Cecil counties. Bennett believes this year's dinner will be the biggest yet, with a growing number of residents expressing interest in attending.
At the Aberdeen fire hall, 21 N. Rogers St., residents can enjoy a free meal from the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance at 325 St. John St. in Havre de Grace.
Food will be served from noon to 5 p.m. and is open to everyone in the community.
The Open Door Café, 528 Baltimore Pike in Bel Air, will also be serving the community Thursday noon to 4 p.m.
While the restaurant will be closed to the public, "a traditional dinner in restaurant-style will be served to anyone in need of a hot meal and a warm smile," according to its website. Open Door Café has been providing this service since 2006. Last year, 175 people were served either in the restaurant or by delivery, the website read.
To donate or volunteer for the dinner, email opendoorcafe@verizon.net; visit theopendoorcafe.com; or call 410-838-4393.