One of NEPA’s most popular autumn events — ThanksLiving — will be held at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Kicking off at 11 am, the festivities include live music by The Hot Club of Scranton, fine dining catered by Parlor City Vegan, sanctuary tour, auctions, raffles and more. The highlight of the day is the Feast for the Birds, when the sanctuary’s flocks of turkeys, chickens and ducks — surrounded by hay bales where children and adults of all ages perch — enjoy a banquet of their favorite foods.
Hosted by media personalities Mark Hiller, Paola Giangiacomo and Lucy Noland, ThanksLiving celebrates wholesome fun and the beauty of life.
“ThanksLiving is in its 11th year and this year is the biggest celebration yet. Because of the increased interest, we’ve added a new $15,000 sponsorship opportunity for a local organization that would like to access increased visibility through our event. In addition to enjoying that visibility, sponsors support our many critical programs for our community’s most vulnerable children and animals,” Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, said. “Supporting Indraloka helps us provide low-cost camps, art and music programs, field trips and many other activities for children and teens.”
Guests at ThanksLiving can wander the sanctuary, where staff and volunteers will be on hand to introduce visitors to many of the beloved animals. Local celebrity Eddie Traffic — a large pig whose rescue by a kind truck driver made headlines 10 years ago — has graciously agreed to greet guests. Spectacularly beautiful and friendly Mongo — a turkey who is one of the guests of honor — will provide plenty of photo ops for all.
“I don’t think people realize how sweet and friendly turkeys can be. We have a running joke at the sanctuary that every group photo must include Mongo because he absolutely insists on being at the center of every group. He’s such a love.,” Lahiri said.
ThanksLiving is an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania amid the spectacular autumn colors. Surrounded by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka’s 100 acres of pastures offer a bucolic setting a mere 20 minutes from downtown Scranton. Home to nearly 200 farm animals of all species, Indraloka rescues, rehabilitates and provides lifelong love and care for animals saved from the most desperate circumstances. Year-round events offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy peace and kindness with beloved, gentle animals.
ThanksLiving has limited seating and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please call Robin Olson at 858-335-8571 or email her at robin@indraloka.org. Dr. Lahiri is available for interviews. Members of the press are invited to ThanksLiving. Call for more information.
