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It’s not too often that staff of various city employees gather in large numbers at one time. 

However, this was the case on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

One day before the official holiday, many gathered at the site of Winchester Public Works at 303 M. Main Street for a festive Thanksgiving turkey cookoff. 

“It’s great to see you all. It’s not often that we can all get together like this,” said City Manager Bruce Manley. “One thing I think of during Thanksgiving is spending time with family. We might not be blood-related, but…I think we’re all family.” 

Members of the Winchester Fire Department, including Chief Chris Whiteley, and members of the Winchester Police Department, including Chief James Hall, attended the event. 

Members of the city’s Public Works Department, namely Director Brian Sewell, were also present and helped set up the event. 

In addition, several city staff members —including Manley, City Commissioners Kenny Book and Kitty Strode, and Mayor JoEllen Reed—attended. 

Mayor Reed took time to address city employees. 

“I just want to say how thankful I am for our team [and] for all 150 employees,” she said. “I [would] put you up against anybody anywhere [at] any time…we’re all in these positions for the reason to serve the city of Winchester, and that’s what we’re doing.” 

Shortly after Mayor Reed spoke and Manley offered an opening prayer, a line formed for people to enjoy the meal, with many different food and drink options. 

Among them were roasted carrots, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, turkey stuffing, sausage, potatoes, ham, corn, beans, macaroni and cheese, a vegetable tray, potato chips, cookies, an assortment of different pies, banana pudding, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, iced tea, and – of course – turkey.

With the approval of attendees, many went back to the food table for second and third helpings. 

Yet that’s not all. 

A competitive atmosphere was in the air, too. 

Utilizing a kids’ basketball hoop arcade game commonly found at entertainment venues, individuals competed against each other to see who would win by making the most baskets over a given period of time. 

While the final four were Lt. Justin Seale of WFD, Sgt. Matt Reed of WPD, Ronnie Manns of the Department of Public Works, and hybrid inspector Jesse McCoy, Reed ended up taking home the top prize. 

Also, a judge decided which of several turkey plates they found the most appetizing. The Winchester Police Department came out in first place in the cookoff thanks to a dish made by Sgt. Zack Conlee. 

Mayor Reed expressed the necessity of each city employee who was present and more. 

“If we don’t have you all, we can’t do this job,” she said. “That’s why it’s so important.”