More than a thousand people lined the sidewalk outside of O'Neal and Nedra Larkin's Clearwater home. Some of the people were friends and family, but some were strangers.
"This is our annual community meal," said O'Neal Larkin.
The event started in 2000 when O'Neal decided to give back to his community.
"Nedra gave me the idea about cooking some food instead of giving away a thanksgiving basket to a needy family," said O'Neal Larkin.
The event started with eighty-five people, but it's grown to 1600 this year. The family even started working with sponsors and Clearwater officials to make the event bigger each year.
"It's just amazing, really amazing, I love it cause I knew I did something for someone else," said Nedra Larkin.
The meal consists of all the tradition items, but local vendors also brought ribs for guests to enjoy.
O'Neal Larkin said he feel pure joy when he puts the meal on for the community.
"You can come into Clearwater and have a wonderful time and that's what I'm proud of," said O'Neal Larkin.
