K.C. Pohtilla jokes that one of her biggest roles during one of Oak Harbor’s biggest holiday events is playing the role of spoiler.

“I cover up the TV so nobody can watch the football game,” Pohtilla said.

Pohtilla is one of the coordinators busy preparing for the 12th annual North Whidbey Community Harvest on Thanksgiving.

Several thousand people will converge on the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge for the free full turkey dinner that was a brainstorm of the late Keith Bartlett and Jack Stilz as a way of saying thank you to the community.

Pohtilla, the volunteer coordinator, said North Whidbey Community Harvest is a true community event, involving about 350 volunteers.

The event is covered by donations from businesses, organizations and individuals. The budget this year is just over $17,000.

Scott Fraser, owner of Frasers Gourmet Hideway, is the event’s executive chef. Roger Anglum is in charge of smoking turkeys and hams, while Scott Fisher and Jim Croft will deep fry turkeys.

Sticking with Bartlett’s vision, dinner will be served on linen table cloths with china and silverware. It will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Nov. 28.

The dinner is free; however, donations will be accepted at the door or may be mailed or dropped off to Stiltz at Bay Printing. Checks should be made out to “Community Harvest” and, if mailed, sent to: North Whidbey Community Harvest, c/o Bay Printing, 1131 S.E. Ely St., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Pohtilla also is still seeking volunteers.

Those interested in volunteering may call 360-240-9338. That number also may be used to request a delivery of Thanksgiving dinner for those unable to attend the event in person.