Thousands Attend Red Andrews Christmas Dinner In OKC

The Christmas tradition goes on, with another successful Red Andrews Christmas Dinner Thursday.

Thousands of people packed into the Cox Convention Center for the holiday meal.

People began lining up at 2 a.m. Christmas morning, to ensure they were first in line.

For volunteers like Steve Burton, kitchen prep started Christmas morning at 4 a.m. prepping thousands of turkey dinners to feed the expected 8,000 people who attended.

“Nobody leaves here hungry. They always leave here happy,” said Burton.

Burton has spent his last 32 Christmases dishing out dinners.

“To see all the happiness on people's faces, to see the joy on their faces. That's why I do it,” he said.

Some donated their time, while others made financial donations to make this even possible.

“85 percent of the money is just private donation from people like you and I. The community loves this event and they just send checks and they want to make sure it continues,” said Mary Blankenship Pointer, one of the coordinators.

Continuing an event which brings joy to so many Oklahomans.

New to Oklahoma City Aurionne Parker decided this event would be the best way to meet new friends.

“It's not just for the dinner, but I want to get out and try to meet more people,” said Parker.

And she had five words for all the volunteer chefs.

“It's the best meal ever!”

The dinner is named for former Oklahoma state representative Red Andrews, who started the tradition in the 1920s.