FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - The spirit of Thanksgiving was in full swing at the DECC, Thursday.

Thousands of Northlanders came out to get their plates piled with turkey and all the trimmings.

"The line started at 10 in the morning, It's pretty much gone up until now," Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet Senior Chair Roz Randorf said. "It's just been a really great day."

It's the 23rd year of a Twin Ports tradition, welcoming at least 5,000 people.

"Folks that maybe otherwise wouldn't be able to make a meal," said Randorf. "They may be unemployed, they may be without their family, they may find themselves alone."

"I see everyone around they're cheerful, they're happy," Volunteer Monica Tikkannen said. "They're saying thank you to everybody, I think people really appreciate what's being done."

The event was made possible with donated funds from businesses, the community and countless hours of service from 1,000 volunteers.

"Some people don't have as much things as other people and I think it's nice to help those people," Volunteer Noland Friday said.

"It makes me feel good when I listen to the people who are coming and talking about having dinner here and then they say thank you to you," Tikkannen said.

Volunteers say people are coming out in record numbers and this is their busiest year so far.

"We haven't gone through that recovery that we're looking for," said Randorf. "You know people maybe have a greater need this year and plus with good weather allows them to really get to the DECC."

Guests also got to take pictures with Santa and enjoy festive holiday music.

"Really when they leave they've gotten to really celebrate the holiday in a true family tradition," said Randorf.

Volunteers delivered 1,300 meals to people who were home bound and couldn't make it out to the DECC.