Thanksgiving Buffet & Annual Snowy Christmas at Rawhide

UPDATE: RESERVATIONS FOR THE THANKSGIVING BUFFET ARE SOLD OUT, THEY WILL STILL ACCEPT WALK-IN’S ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS.

DATE:

November 28th, 2019

Buffet seating times starting at 11:00am with the last seating time at 5:30pm.

Reservations are required for the Thanksgiving Buffet: 480-502-5600 or email Reso@Rawhide.com.

BUFFET PRICING:

Adults: $28.95 Per Person

Children 4-12: $9.95 Per Person

The Rawhide Western Town Opens at 10:30am, Admission is FREE!

Join Rawhide in kicking off the holiday season at Rawhide Western Town. Starting Thanksgiving and running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22. 

All of the Rawhide attractions and retail stores will be open. See the Arizona Rough Riders in their Cowboy Stunt Shows at the Six Gun Theater. Buy your show ticket at the General Store.

In addition to the Thanksgiving Buffet in the Steakhouse, there will be other food options available in the western town. 

BUFFET MENU:

Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib w/ Au Jus

Bourbon & Maple Roasted Turkey Breast

Open Fire Grilled Top Sirloin Medallions

Blackened Cajun Chicken

Honey Roasted Bone-in Ham

Cranberry Sauce

Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes

Slow Simmered Classic Pan Gravy

Spiced Sausage Cornbread Stuffing

Roasted Garlic & Herb Vegetables

Candied Baby Carrots

House made Green Bean Casserole

Salad Bar

Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque

Wild Mushroom & Bacon Cream

Chicken Dumpling Chowder

Kids’ Corner

Homestyle Chicken Tenders

Homestyle Mac & Cheese

Crispy French Fries

Desserts

Homestyle Pumpkin, Dutch Apple, & Sweet Potato Pie

Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies & Lemon Bars

Seasonal Bakeshop Cookies

Ice Cream Sundae Station

Thanksgiving Facts, Did you know? 

• Mashed Potatoes were not part of the first Thanksgiving, since Irish Immigrants had not brought them to the Americas yet.
• The Pumpkin Pie we know today is based on a 1653 French Recipe, and wasn't part of the feast either.

After the buffet, stay and enjoy Rawhide Western Town's Seventh Annual Rawhide Snowy Christmas.

Rawhide will feature Christmas Season festivities every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night,  November 28th through December 22nd, 2019 from 5pm to 10pm and admission is FREE!

Santa will be available for photos after the official tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can drop off letters to Santa at Rawhide’s Post Office (every child who sends Santa a letter will hear back from Santa). 

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Festival

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party: The Ultimate Fall Festival in Queen Creek, AZ

Celebrate the Pumpkin & Chili Party at Schnepf Farms every Thursday through Sunday in October! This family-friendly fall festival features pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, delicious food, and exciting entertainment for all ages.

Food, pumpkins and tickets to ride the train are available for an additional cost.

Festival Attractions & Activities

General admission includes access to a variety of attractions, making it one of the best fall festivals in Arizona:

• Hayrides through the scenic farm

• Petting Zoo with friendly farm animals

• Carousel Rides & Miniature Golf

• 4-Acre & 10-Acre Corn Mazes for adventurous explorers

• Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show

• Stuntmasters BMX Show

• Pig Races – cheer for your favorite speedy pig

• Pumpkin Patch – pick the perfect pumpkin for carving

• Swingin’ Ladybugz Ride

• Farm Bakery & Farm Café with fresh seasonal treats

• Delicious Chili & Farm-Fresh Eats

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party 2024 Dates & Hours

📅 Every Thursday – Sunday from October 4 – October 28
⏰ Festival Hours:

• Thursdays: 10 AM - 9 PM

• Fridays & Saturdays: 10 AM - 10 PM

• Sundays: 10 AM - 9 PM

📍 Location: Schnepf Farms, 24610 E Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
📞 Contact: 480-987-3100

Admission & Ticket Discounts

🎟️ General Admission: $20 per person at the gate (Children 2 and under enter FREE!)

💰 Save on Discounted Tickets:

• $15 Discounted Tickets available at FRY’S Food Stores.

SRP Thrifty Thursdays: Salt River Project is sponsoring 2-for-1 admission to the event every Thursday in October from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Print your coupon here.

Military will get FREE admission October 4th-7th, October 11th-14th, October 25th-29th. All others in your family, will need discount tickets from Fry's or the above SRP coupon on Thursdays.

Police will get FREE admission October 11-14. All others in your family, will need discount tickets from Fry's or the above SRP coupon on Thursdays.

Firefighters will get FREE admission October 25-28. All others in your family, will need discount tickets from Fry's or the above SRP coupon on Thursdays.

Grandparents get BOGO every Friday, if you are a grandparent, show a photo of your grandchild and you can buy one ticket and get a 2nd person in for FREE!

My Two Cents:
Between admission, food and the Spooky Train ride, costs can add up fast. It is a fun family friendly event, but to maximize cost vs value, I urge you to take advantage of some of the above discounted admission rates. For more detail on costs and what is included and not included in admission, see last years post ---> Pumpkin and Chili Festival.

🍂 Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Fall at Schnepf Farms! 🍂 Experience the best pumpkin festival in Arizona with delicious chili, farm-fresh treats, hayrides, and thrilling attractions. Whether you’re bringing the kids or making it a seasonal date night, the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party is a must-visit fall event in Queen Creek, AZ.

Winter WonderFest at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ

Winter WonderFest

Bring the entire family to Winter WonderFest and experience Chandler, AZ's own North Pole at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

You and your children can write a letter to Santa, create ornaments for your tree in Santa's Workshop and relax by a campfire and roast marshmallows while enjoying a s'more.

Shop holiday vendors at Front Porch Pickens Vintage & Handmade market.

2PM-10PM Every FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY from November 24th to December 24th 

Admission: Ages 3+  $20
Children under 2 are free

Purchase Tickets 

Parking is not included in the ticket price and is $5 per car.

Admission price includes a visit with Santa in his house, a visit with the Queen in her Ice Castle, a ride on Santa's sleigh, writing a letter to Santa, and a light display. There are also various free backyard games like giant Jenga, giant Connect Four and Corn Hole Bean Bag Toss.

Southwest Digital Photography will be onsite to capture your memories with Santa and the Ice Queen at an additional cost. There is no obligation to buy, your child is free to see Santa or visit with the Ice Queen without purchase. No photos with personal devices are allowed.

S'mores: for $10 dollars get  a s'mores kit that makes 4 s'mores while sitting at a fire.

Participation Tickets for additional attractions not included in the above admission can be purchased; 25 tickets for $20. Extra attractions are 1-9 tickets.

• Including a 45 foot high inflatable slide and 185 foot long inflatable obstacle course.
• Zip Line: $9 (9 tickets) - Use the spiral staircase to get to the top of a 34 foot zip-line tower and then zip-line 300 feet.

Consider a VIP ticket ($49) to cut costs. VIP package includes a commemorative lanyard, grants you access to private area with tents, private portable toilets, tables, and seating.

• Private fire pits and s'mores for everyone (save $10) 
• The VIP area will also have its own Santa.
• 1 drink ticket good for soda, water, coffee, or hot chocolate (save $3 -$5)
• 1 ticket for food at one of the food vendors (save approx $11)
• Kids get access to all five craft tables (save $10) 
• write a letter to santa
• roll out clay and stamp out and customize a gingerbread man
• create a snowflake glitter ornament
• create a custom chalkboard ornament
• make your very own Christmas stocking
• 1 ride on both the Ferris Wheel and carousel (save $7)
• 10 tickets for inflatable attractions (save $10)

Winter WonderFest
WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK
20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226

My two Cents

First I want to say, we did have fun and it was the first day of the event, but in the end price VS value was lacking compared to Lights of the World 2017 or Illumination - Holiday drive-thru light show.

Pros

It is spread out and so when it gets crowded it does not feel like you will lack personal space. We also did not have an issue finding a place to sit and eat. Overall both the kids (tweens) and adults enjoyed themselves.

Cons

Overall the website in my opinion oversells the event and what is available as well as what you get for basic admission and I was underwhelmed when we arrived. Most pictures on the website are not of the actual event.

"Walk down Candy Cane lane and explore a life size Gingerbread House light display unlike anything you've ever seen. Candy Cane fences will tempt you to take a bite at each turn in this magical land. Become a Princess for the day when you enter the Ice Castle where you can visit and get your picture taken with the beautiful Ice Queen who has created an enchanting manor for all to experience. "

Be prepared to spend: parking, rides, food, drink, crafts,s'mores and gifts all cost extra. Food ranges from $7-$15 and drinks from $3 to $6, so for a kid to eat and drink will be about $10 and an adult up to $21. Rides are $1 to $9. We spent about $250 for a family of 5 for the kids to ride and us all to eat and would have got slightly more for the same $250 with 5 VIP tickets.

Read their FAQS page for more information: http://www.winterwonderfestaz.com/faq/

"With holiday music and local performances" Could not hear music except over by the adult beverages and no live performance.

"light display unlike anything you've ever seen" Display was about what most people have in their yards during December.

More like 30 vendors (including food trucks), not 50 and I counted 11 inflatable rides, not 20.

Again, this was opening night and there may be more to come.

________________________________________________________________
Winter Wonderfest posted an apology to guests who participated in opening night.

Christmas at the Westgate Entertainment District - Glendale, AZ

Festive Holiday Events at Westgate Entertainment District – Glendale, AZ

Step inside Westgate’s Magical Winter Wonderland and experience exciting holiday events in Glendale, Arizona! Located at 6751 N Sunset Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305, Westgate Entertainment District is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly festivities, Santa visits, holiday shopping, and more.

Westgate Holiday Events & Activities

🎄 HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & FIRST SNOWFALL
📅 Tuesday, November 21, 2017
📍 Fountain Park ⏰ 6:30 PM
Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Glendale with the official Christmas tree lighting at Westgate’s Fountain Park! Watch as the area transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with the first snowfall of the season. Plus, don’t miss a special visit from Santa Claus!

🎅 VISIT SANTA AT WESTGATE
📅 November 21 – December 24, 2017
📍 Fountain Park
Bring the kids to meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wish list, and take holiday photos. All guests will receive one (1) free downloadable photo, and photo packages are available for purchase. Plus, Santa has FREE gifts for visitors (while supplies last).

🎟️ Visit westgateaz.com/santa for hours and details.

❄️ NIGHTLY SNOWFALL AT WESTGATE
📅 November 21 – December 31, 2017 (Excluding Thanksgiving & Christmas)
📍 Fountain Park ⏰ 7 PM & 8 PM
Step into a real-life snow globe with magical snowfall every night at 7 PM & 8 PM! On Christmas Eve, enjoy snowfalls every hour from 11 AM to 8 PM.

🐴 FREE HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
📅 Fridays & Saturdays (November 24 – December 23, 2017)
📍 WaterDance Plaza ⏰ 5 PM – 9 PM
Experience a memorable horse-drawn carriage ride through the Westgate Entertainment District. Rides are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

🚨 Pick-up & Drop-off Locations:

• WaterDance Plaza (across from Gila River Arena)

• AMC Theatres (on Arizona Coyotes home game nights)

⛸️ SKATE WESTGATE – HOLIDAY ICE SKATING RINK
📅 November 21 – January 7, 2017
📍 Fountain Park
Enjoy real ice skating in Glendale! Skate Westgate welcomes kids and adults of all skill levels to create magical winter memories on the ice.

🎟️ Visit westgateaz.com/skate for pricing and hours.

🎶 LIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC
📅 Every Friday & Saturday Night
📍 Fountain Park ⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Enjoy live performances by talented musicians as you explore Westgate’s festive atmosphere.

🎁 Why Visit Westgate Entertainment District This Holiday Season?

• 🌟 Exciting Holiday Events – Tree lighting, snowfall, Santa visits, and more!

• 🎅 Meet Santa Claus – Get free holiday photos and share your Christmas list.

• ⛸️ Ice Skating & Carriage Rides – Unique winter fun in Glendale.

• 🎶 Live Music & Festive Atmosphere – Enjoy holiday cheer with family and friends.

📍 Location: Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale, AZ
📅 Holiday Events: November 21 – December 31, 2017
🎟️ Admission: Most events are FREE!

Make your holidays in Glendale, Arizona unforgettable at Westgate Entertainment District! Plan your visit today and experience the best Christmas events in the Phoenix area. 🎄❄️🎅

Lights of the World 2017 - Phoenix Arizona Lights and Lantern Festival

Lights of the World: Phoenix AZ Lights and Lantern Festival

Lights of the World is an international Lantern Arts Festival and is known as the largest Light Show in North America. This unique Chinese Lantern Arts Festival combines 10,000,000 lights in 11 exhibits representing 6 continents with over 71 stunning displays for a Global Celebration of Lights.

Lights of the World: The Largest Lantern Festival in North America

Experience the magic of Lights of the World, the largest lights and lantern festival in North America, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in downtown Phoenix this holiday season! This spectacular event blends the age-old Chinese tradition of lantern festivals with modern technology and dazzling light displays.

What to Expect at Lights of the World

🌏 Global-Themed Lantern Displays: Some installations soar up to 60 feet tall, showcasing different cultures and civilizations from around the world.

🎡 Over 20 Carnival Rides & Games: Enjoy thrilling rides and classic midway games, making it a perfect family-friendly holiday event.

🎭 Live Entertainment: Watch daily acrobatic performances and cultural showcases, adding to the festive atmosphere.

🍽️ Delicious Food & Holiday Treats: Indulge in a variety of seasonal and international cuisines while exploring the glowing displays.

Event Details

📅 Dates: November 16, 2017 – January 2, 2018
⏰ Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
🚫 Closed: December 26, 2017
📍 Location: Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, AZ

Admission & Discounts

🎟️ General Admission:

• Adults: $18

• Seniors (65+): $16

• Children (3-13): $15

• Children under 3: FREE

• Military & First Responders: FREE admission on Tuesdays

💰 Save on Tickets: Discounted tickets are available at all Phoenix Walgreens locations!

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime holiday event! Lights of the World is a must-see Christmas attraction in Phoenix, perfect for families, couples, and friends looking for a magical holiday light festival experience.

🎟️ Buy your tickets now and immerse yourself in a world of lights! Buy Tickets Online - Buy early and save 20% through November 1st

Acrobat Tickets are a Separate charge of $8 



Lights of the World has ten Million Lights making up the following displays:

Spectacular Light Displays at Lights of the World

✨ Interactive Displays:

• Dinosaur Stamp

• Egg Hatching

• Hopscotch Lanterns

• Korean Drum

• Moon Launch

• Photos with the Zodiac

🌟 Themed Lantern Exhibits:

• Christmas Avenue, Christmas Tree & Holiday Goodies

• Leaning Tower of Pisa, Eiffel Tower & Statue of Liberty

• Golden Gate, London Bridge & Sydney Opera House

• The Wonders of Eastern Asia & The Wonders of Southern Asia

• Dinosaur Farm, Dinotopia & Time of the Dinosaurs

• Secret Flowers, Mystic Weaving & Pearl of the Sea

• Terracotta Army, The Nutcracker & The 12 Chinese Zodiac

With over 10 million dazzling lights, Lights of the World is an unforgettable holiday experience!

For more Fantastic light displays this Christmas Season, visit Illumination - Phoenix Arizona Holiday drive-thru light show

Pumpkin & Chili Party - Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek AZ

This really is a pretty good family time, especially with younger children. I suggest paying the additional cost for the spooky train ride as well.

Starts: October 5, 2017
Ends: October 29, 2017
Place: 24610 S. Rittenhouse road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Hours:  Every Thursday – Sunday in October beginning October 5th, October 29th is the last day.
              Thursdays 10am - 9pm
              Fridays & Saturdays 10am - 10pm
              Sundays 10am - 9pm

Regular Admission: $20.00 (includes tax) at the gate
Discount Tickets: $15.00 at any FRY’S beginning September 14th
Children 2 & under: Free

Admission Includes:

• Hayrides
• Roller coaster
• Swinging lady bugz
• Honeybee adventure
• Flying farmers ride
• Carousel rides
• Jumping pillows
• Petting zoo
• Cornhole games 
• Country road rally
• Rock climbing wall
• Miniature golf
• Bonfires
• Marshmallow roasting
• 4 acre corn maze
• 10 acre corn maze
• Forest ZIP LINE
• Lil Farmers Play Yard
• Mountain Slides

Entertainment:

• Extreme Canine Dog Show
• BMX Show
• GYPSY Time Travelers
• Pumpkin Launch
• Fireworks (Friday & Saturday nights)
• Country Air
• Farmhouse museum
• Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races

Admission Does NOT include:

• Train Rides:  $3 during the day $5 for the Spooky train ride beginning at 6:30
• Food:  $4-$16 for a full dinner
• Pumpkins:  Sold by the size $3, $6, $9, $12, $15

Main Grill Menu

• Chili Dinner: Bowl of Chili, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Home made Corn Bread, Fudge oreo Brownie and drink – $13.00 incl tax
• Chili & Chicken Dinner: Bowl of chili, Grilled chicken breast, roasted corn on the cob, corn bread, fudge Oreo brownie & drink – $16.00 inc tax
• Hot dog Dinner: All beef hot dog, bag of Chips, Oreo Brownie and Drink $7.00
• Chili Dog Dinner: Chili Dog, Corn on the cob, chips, Oreo brownie & drink $12.00

Farm Grill Menu

• Succotash: sweet onions, peppers, sweet corn. okra, garden squash, potatoes grilled on our custom 20’griddles.  Bowl $11.00 (Add chicken is $3)
• Grilled Pizza: Margarita (cheese with fresh basil) or pepperoni $10.00

Burger Shack Menu

• Hamburger or Cheeseburger Meal: Burgers, Chips, Brownie & Drink  $10.00  (comes with fresh lettuce, tomato)
• Hot Dog Dinner: Hot dog, Chips, Brownie & drink $7.00
• Pulled Pork Meal: Pulled pork sandwich, Chips, cole slaw, Brownie & drink $12.00

The “first” Thanksgiving

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The True History of Thanksgiving & How It Became a National Holiday 🦃🍂

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved American holidays, centered around family, gratitude, and a bountiful feast. But how did the “First Thanksgiving” come to be, and how has it evolved into the modern holiday we celebrate today?

This guide explores the origins of Thanksgiving, its historical significance, traditional foods, and even how Black Friday became a part of the holiday season.

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🍁 The First Thanksgiving – Myth vs. Reality

The idea of the “First Thanksgiving” as we know it today originates from a letter written by Edward Winslow, a leader of the Plymouth Colony.

📜 The Original 1621 Harvest Festival:

• The three-day feast was a celebration of survival after a harsh first year in the New World.
• The Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag people, who had helped them learn to farm and hunt.
• It was not a religious Thanksgiving, but rather a harvest festival to give thanks for a successful growing season.

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🥘 What Was on the Menu at the First Thanksgiving?

Unlike today’s Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, the original feast looked quite different.

🍗 Likely Foods at the 1621 Thanksgiving Feast:
✔️ Wild Game: Venison (deer), duck, goose, and possibly wild turkey.
🐟 Seafood: Mussels, lobster, clams, and fish were abundant.
🌽 Native American Crops: Corn, squash, beans, and root vegetables.
🥧 Early Pies & Fruits: Meat pies, pumpkin, cranberries (without sugar), and apples.

🚨 Fun Fact: Mashed potatoes were not served because potatoes had not yet been introduced to New England!

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🦃 How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

Despite the popularized 1621 feast, Thanksgiving was not an official holiday for over two centuries.

🏛️ Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation – Thanksgiving Becomes a Holiday (1863)

• President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
• He set the date as the last Thursday of November to unify the nation during the Civil War.

📅 Franklin D. Roosevelt & the Date Change (1941)

• In 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November.
• This was done to extend the holiday shopping season at the request of retailers, giving rise to Black Friday traditions.

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🛍️ The Evolution of Black Friday – How It Became a Shopping Tradition

Black Friday has been associated with Thanksgiving since the 1930s, but it truly exploded in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.

🛒 The Origins of Black Friday:

• Retailers coined the term "Black Friday" to describe the day after Thanksgiving when businesses would move "into the black" (profit) from holiday shopping sales.
• Today, Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year, with retailers offering doorbuster sales, online discounts, and early holiday deals.
• Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) emerged in the 2000s, focusing on online shopping deals.

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🥂 Modern Thanksgiving Traditions in the U.S.

Today, Thanksgiving is about more than just history—it’s a time for family, gratitude, and American traditions.

🏡 Popular Thanksgiving Traditions:

🦃 Thanksgiving Feast: A huge meal with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
🏈 Thanksgiving Football Games: Watching or playing football is a classic Thanksgiving pastime.
🎈 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The annual New York City parade, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and Santa Claus, started in 1924.
🙏 Giving Thanks: Families go around the table sharing what they are thankful for.

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📌 Final Thoughts – The Legacy of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has evolved from a 1621 harvest festival to a national holiday that celebrates family, gratitude, and generosity. While food and traditions may have changed, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains the same—a time to reflect on our blessings and come together with loved ones.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🍂🦃💛

 

Remember the 5th of November - Guy Fawkes day

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Remember, Remember the 5th of November

The History & Significance of Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night) 🎆🔥

"Remember, remember the 5th of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot."

Each year, on November 5th, the UK and other parts of the world celebrate Guy Fawkes Night (also known as Bonfire Night) with fireworks, bonfires, and the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies. But how did this tradition begin, and what’s the real story behind the Gunpowder Plot of 1605?

This guide explores the history, significance, and modern traditions of Guy Fawkes Night while uncovering the true story of Guy Fawkes and the failed attempt to assassinate King James I.

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📜 The Gunpowder Plot: A Failed Assassination Attempt

👑 King James I & Religious Tensions

When King James I took the throne on July 25, 1603, English Catholics hoped for religious tolerance after facing decades of persecution under Queen Elizabeth I. However, James refused to ease restrictions, leading to growing unrest.

💣 The Conspiracy – A Plan to Destroy Parliament

A group of 14 English Catholic conspirators, led by Robert Catesby, plotted to assassinate the king by blowing up the Houses of Parliament during the State Opening of Parliament. The goal was to replace James I with his Catholic daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

📩 The Anonymous Letter That Exposed the Plot

The plan began to unravel when an anonymous letter was sent to William Parker, Lord Monteagle, warning him to avoid Parliament on November 5th. Historians speculate that Francis Tresham, one of the conspirators, may have written the letter.

🔎 The Capture of Guy Fawkes – November 5, 1605

As a result of the letter, authorities searched Westminster Palace in the early hours of November 5, 1605. They found Guy Fawkes guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder hidden beneath the House of Lords.

🚨 What happened to the conspirators?

• Guy Fawkes was tortured for days before confessing to the plot.
• The conspirators were captured, tried for treason, and sentenced to death.
• Guy Fawkes avoided a gruesome execution by jumping from the gallows and breaking his neck. His body was still quartered, and his head placed on a spike at London Bridge.

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🔥 The Birth of Bonfire Night – Why Do We Celebrate Guy Fawkes Day?

When news of the failed Gunpowder Plot spread, Londoners lit bonfires to celebrate King James I’s survival. The tradition continued every year, and in 1606, the government passed the Observance of 5th November Act, officially declaring November 5th as a day of national thanksgiving.

🎆 How Guy Fawkes Night Is Celebrated Today

Bonfire Night is still widely celebrated across the UK with:
✔️ Fireworks displays symbolizing the gunpowder that never exploded.
✔️ Bonfires lit in town squares and gardens.
✔️ Burning of Guy Fawkes effigies as a symbolic execution.
✔️ Traditional foods like toffee apples, parkin cake, and roasted chestnuts.

🚨 Fun Fact: In Lewes, England, Bonfire Night is one of the largest fire festivals in the world, featuring elaborate processions and flaming torches.

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🎭 The Legacy of Guy Fawkes in Pop Culture

🕵️ The Guy Fawkes Mask & V for Vendetta

The iconic Guy Fawkes mask, popularized by Alan Moore’s graphic novel and the 2005 movie V for Vendetta, has become a symbol of rebellion and resistance. The mask is often associated with Anonymous, the Occupy Movement, and other activist groups.

📺 Guy Fawkes in Film & Literature

• 🎬 V for Vendetta (2005) – A dystopian film where the protagonist wears a Guy Fawkes mask to fight tyranny.
• 📖 Gunpowder (BBC, 2017) – A dramatized retelling of the Gunpowder Plot starring Kit Harington.
• 🎮 Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla – References to Guy Fawkes and medieval England’s political struggles.

🚨 Did You Know? The phrase "Penny for the Guy" comes from an old tradition where children would collect money to buy fireworks by displaying homemade Guy Fawkes effigies.

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📌 Final Thoughts – Why Guy Fawkes Night Still Matters

Though over 400 years have passed, the legacy of the Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes Night continues to influence British culture, politics, and activism. Whether you see Guy Fawkes as a villain or a symbol of resistance, his story remains one of the most famous failed assassination attempts in history.

🔥 Will you be celebrating Bonfire Night this year? Let us know in the comments! 🎆🔥

Little known Thanksgiving and Harvest Festival Facts and History

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ta-end="157" data-start="76">📅 Thanksgiving: A Blend of Ancient Harvest Festivals & American Traditions

Thanksgiving is a rich blend of traditions from Native American, British, and Puritan influences, shaped over centuries into the modern holiday we celebrate today. The story of Thanksgiving begins long before the Pilgrims' feast in 1621, with earlier harvest festivals and religious observances playing a significant role.

🦃 The True History of Thanksgiving

The commonly told "First Thanksgiving" story dates back to 1621 in Plymouth Colony, but the real history is far more complex.

The Story of the 1621 Harvest Festival

• In 1614, English explorers captured and enslaved Patuxet Native Americans, leaving behind a smallpox outbreak that devastated the local population.
• When the Pilgrims arrived in 1620, the once-thriving Patuxet village was nearly empty, except for Squanto, the sole survivor.
• Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to grow crops and fish and negotiated a peace treaty between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Nation.
• In 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag held a three-day harvest festival, which later inspired the modern Thanksgiving celebration.

❗ Did you know? The "First Thanksgiving" feast did NOT include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie! Instead, the menu likely featured venison, seafood, corn, and seasonal vegetables.

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🦃 Other Claims to the First Thanksgiving

📍 1598: San Elizario, Texas – Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate held a Thanksgiving feast near El Paso after leading settlers across the desert.
📍 1619: Berkeley Plantation, Virginia – English settlers declared an annual day of thanks upon their arrival, two years before the Plymouth feast.
📍 1578: Canada’s First Thanksgiving – Explorer Martin Frobisher celebrated Thanksgiving in Newfoundland, decades before the Pilgrims.

👉 Thanksgiving has been observed in various ways long before 1621, making it a tradition rich in history beyond the Pilgrims' feast.

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🦃 The Evolution of Thanksgiving in America

1800s: The "First Thanksgiving" Narrative Takes Shape

• By the early 19th century, the 1621 harvest feast was revived as a symbol of American unity.
• Alexander Young popularized the idea of a "First Thanksgiving" based on Edward Winslow’s 1621 letter.

1863: Lincoln Declares Thanksgiving a National Holiday

• During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, celebrated on the last Thursday of November.

1941: Franklin D. Roosevelt Sets Thanksgiving Date

• FDR moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November to extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression.

👉 Thanksgiving as we know it today is a mix of historical traditions, presidential proclamations, and cultural adaptations.

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🍽️ Thanksgiving Food Traditions – Then vs. Now

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Not part of the 1621 meal (potatoes had yet to arrive in North America).
🦃 Turkey – Smaller than today's 20-pound birds, and may not have been served at all!
🍷 Cranberries – Used by Native Americans for dyes and medicine, but not in sauce form.
🥧 Pumpkin Pie – Based on a 1653 French recipe, not present at the 1621 harvest feast.
🥧 Pecan Pie & Sweet Potatoes – Introduced by the South in the late 19th century.

👉 Victorian-era traditions shaped modern Thanksgiving menus, introducing turkey and cranberry sauce!

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🦃 Fun Thanksgiving Facts You Might Not Know

📌 Thanksgiving Football Tradition – Began with a Yale vs. Princeton game in 1876.
📌 First Thanksgiving Day Parade – Gimbels Department Store in Philadelphia, 1920.
📌 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (1924) – Second oldest parade, featuring giant balloons!
📌 Black Friday Origin – The day after Thanksgiving marks the official start of holiday shopping.
📌 Native American National Day of Mourning – Held on Thanksgiving Day to honor the tragic history of colonialism.

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🦃 Thanksgiving Around the World

🌎 Thanksgiving isn't just an American holiday! Many cultures have harvest celebrations:

🍁 Canada’s Thanksgiving (Since 1957) – Celebrated on the second Monday of October.
🎑 China’s Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu) – A moon festival of gratitude.
🌾 India’s Onam Festival – A harvest celebration in Kerala.
🇬🇧 Britain’s Harvest Festival – Observed in September or October.

👉 Thanksgiving may have evolved differently across cultures, but the spirit of gratitude and feasting remains universal!

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🦃 Presidential Turkey Pardon Tradition

🐔 Did you know? The Presidential Turkey Pardon is often credited to Harry S. Truman, but John F. Kennedy was the first to "officially" pardon a turkey in 1963.

📌 Abraham Lincoln may have started the tradition when he spared his son’s pet turkey.

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🎉 Final Thoughts – The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has evolved from early harvest celebrations to a national holiday centered around family, food, and gratitude. While its origins are complex, the modern celebration reflects a blend of historical influences and new traditions.

🔥 As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on its rich history and diverse origins!

Remember the 5th of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot

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The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 remains one of the most infamous assassination attempts in British history. A group of English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, conspired to blow up the Palace of Westminster during the state opening of Parliament to assassinate King James I and his ministers. The goal? To replace him with his Catholic daughter, Princess Elizabeth, and end years of Catholic persecution in England.

💣 The Gunpowder Plot – How It Unfolded

The plot began to unravel when an anonymous letter warned Catholic Lord William Parker, 4th Baron Monteagle, to avoid Parliament. The letter, believed to have been written by Francis Tresham, was quickly made public, leading to an immediate search of Westminster Palace.

👀 November 5, 1605 – The Discovery of the Plot

• Guy Fawkes, the group's explosives expert, was caught guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder beneath the House of Lords.
• He was arrested, tortured, and interrogated, eventually revealing the names of his fellow conspirators.
• The plan failed, and the conspirators were captured or killed.

❗ Why Did the Gunpowder Plot Fail?
Aside from the anonymous letter, other factors contributed to the plan’s downfall:

• Increased security and surveillance around Parliament.
• Poor communication among the conspirators.
• Delays in execution, which gave authorities time to investigate.

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👥 Who Were the Gunpowder Plot Conspirators?

The plot was organized by Robert Catesby and involved 13 key conspirators, including:

🔥 Guy Fawkes – Explosives expert, tasked with igniting the gunpowder.
🛡️ Robert Catesby – The leader and mastermind behind the conspiracy.
🎯 Thomas Wintour & Robert Wintour – Key organizers of the operation.
🏹 Thomas Percy – Provided the safe house and supplies.
🔫 John Wright & Christopher Wright – Recruiters for the plot.
📜 Francis Tresham – Believed to have written the warning letter.
🚀 Everard Digby, Ambrose Rookwood, Robert Keyes, John Grant, Hugh Owen – Additional supporters.

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🔥 The Aftermath – What Happened to Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes and the captured conspirators were sentenced to death for treason.

☠️ Traditional Execution for Traitors (17th Century England):

• Hanged, drawn, and quartered in public.
• Their body parts were sent across the kingdom as a warning.
• Heads were placed on spikes on London Bridge, alongside figures like William Wallace and Oliver Cromwell.

🏴‍☠️ How Did Guy Fawkes Die?
Rather than suffer the brutal execution, Fawkes leapt from the gallows, breaking his own neck to escape torture and humiliation.

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🎇 Bonfire Night – How the UK Remembers the 5th of November

In the aftermath, November 5th was declared "Bonfire Night", an annual celebration of the failure of the Gunpowder Plot.

🎆 Modern Bonfire Night Traditions Include:
🔥 Lighting bonfires across the UK.
🎇 Firework displays, symbolizing the gunpowder that never exploded.
🎭 Burning effigies of Guy Fawkes in remembrance of the failed plot.
🕵️ Ceremonial searches of Parliament, still conducted by the Yeomen of the Guard before the State Opening of Parliament.

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🎭 V for Vendetta & The Legacy of the Guy Fawkes Mask

📽️ The movie V for Vendetta introduced a new cultural interpretation of Guy Fawkes, turning him into a symbol of rebellion against tyranny.

• 🕶️ The film's protagonist, V, wears a Guy Fawkes mask as a symbol of resistance.
• 💀 The phrase "Remember, Remember the 5th of November" gained global popularity.
• 💡 The mask has since been adopted by activists, protest movements, and hackers, including Anonymous.

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📜 Did You Know? Lesser-Known Gunpowder Plot Facts

📌 Guy Fawkes was NOT the leader – He was the explosives expert; Robert Catesby was the mastermind.
📌 The plot was nearly successful – If not for the anonymous warning letter, the attack could have changed British history.
📌 The UK Parliament is STILL searched before every State Opening – A tradition that continues to this day.
📌 The word "guy" comes from Guy Fawkes – It originally referred to burned effigies of Fawkes, later evolving into the general term for a man.

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📜 Final Thoughts – Why Should We Remember the 5th of November?

The Gunpowder Plot was one of the most dramatic assassination attempts in British history. Whether seen as a failed act of terrorism or a symbol of defiance, the story continues to shape modern culture and political discourse.

🔥 From Bonfire Night celebrations to V for Vendetta, the legacy of Guy Fawkes remains as powerful as ever.

So, remember, remember the 5th of November… the Gunpowder Treason and Plot!