Annual Thanksgiving program set for Thursday morning at Rexburg Tabernacle

REXBURG — The annual Thanksgiving Morning Celebration will again be held at 10 a.m. in the Rexburg Tabernacle on Thursday, Nov. 23 in the tradition of 45 years of this program.

This free event to celebrate the season of gratitude will still feature a community choir, guest artists and a narration of a seasonal message.

Steve Dresen, choral director at Bonneville High School, has trained the community choir, made up of many singers who return each year to participate as part of their holiday tradition.

Jaylene Nix, accompanist for the choir, also adds her skills to the ensemble learning six numbers in six weeks. The historic Austin pipe organ in the Tabernacle will be played by James Clark.

Other artists on the program will be Paula Clark, The Targhee Brass Quintet, a trio of young men singing of their sea journey, and two Isle brothers, Britton and Bradley, on piano and viola. Lanette Moss Carter will deliver the narration of praise and gratitude, remembering the purpose of this holiday.

This program, with its long tradition in the area, is a gathering place for family and neighbors on Thanksgiving morning to express gratitude as they participate and listen, but also to greet folks that they know this is the place to see former residents who return to Rexburg for the holiday.

Rick and Susie Robbins, long time choir participants, say this is how they begin their family celebration each year before the turkey feast with family and loved ones.

“It just is the best way to celebrate this holiday”, she says.

Anna Bjornn, program coordinator, encourages people new in the area to come enjoy the program and get acquainted with what talent there is in this town.

The City of Rexburg and Rexburg Arts have sponsored this annual free event for 31 years.