Marysville truck stop serves up free turkey, trimmings
By Janice Podsada
Herald Writer
MARYSVILLE — Somebody had to be open Thanksgiving. On the road since 4 a.m., Dave Hubscher needed an hour’s sit down, 50 gallons of diesel, hot coffee and maybe a corn dog.
When Hubscher saw the lights were on at Donna’s Travel Plaza, a truck stop on I-5 in Marysville, he pulled in for that hoped-for cup of coffee.
But the Canadian long-haul trucker got more than he expected — an extra helping of American hospitality.
At Donna’s Truck Stop Thursday, the $5.49 Thanksgiving dinner was free to truck drivers. No I.D. required, No questions asked.
Last month, Hubscher, had to skip Thanksgiving ; he was on the road. Thursday was the second time this year he’d spent the holiday away from his wife and four-year-old daughter.
Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on October 8. "I was stuck down here working," he said.
The kitchen and grill at Donna’s were closed Thanksgiving. But that didn’t stop Karen Wessel of Everett, from dishing up turkey dinners to truckers, including Canadian truck drivers.
"Most of the Americans made it home," said Wessel, a server at Donna’s.
Jim Bennett, of Utah, who stopped at Donna’s skipped the free turkey dinner. He and his long-haul companion, Semi-Little Rig, a nine-month-old fox terrier, were planning on having dinner at his son’s house in Everett.
Rusty Harris, arrived at Donna’s at 4 a.m. to put on the mashed potatoes, cook two pans of turkey and stir up enough gravy for about 40 free Thanksgiving dinners.
Harris’ hard work was much appreciated. "I like coming down here — to the states," Hubscher said, washing down his turkey, mashed potatoes and corn with a wild cherry cola.
The free dinner was a treat for many Canadian drivers, who would have otherwise spent a lonely Thanksgiving on the road.
"There’s hardly anybody out there — you see one or two fuel tankers," said Bob Whitehead, of British Columbia, who was team-driving the truck with his daughter, Shannon.
"It’s their day off," the Canadian resident said good-naturedly, "We’ve got to keep working."
You can call Herald Writer Janice Podsada at 425-339-3029 or send e-mail to podsada@heraldnet.com.
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