The John Bemis Community Potluck, a long-standing tradition that began in the late 1980s at the Snowmass Chapel, is set to return on Sunday, Nov. 24, from 4:30 to 8pm at the Viewline Resort Snowmass. The annual event draws over 500 attendees and offers a warm, communal gathering for locals, seasonal workers and visitors alike.
Snowmass Village Mayor Bill Madsen described the event as a cornerstone of the community. “It’s about bringing everyone together before we dive into the busy ski season,” he said. “It started as a small event at the chapel and has blossomed into something much larger. Now, you might not get a seat if you don’t arrive early.”
The potluck began as a modest gathering of fewer than 50 people at Snowmass Chapel. Over time, as attendance grew, the event moved to the larger Viewline Resort venue to accommodate the increasing numbers. Joan Bemis, whose late husband John helped spearhead the event’s transition, recalled how it became a Snowmass Village tradition.
“John felt it was essential to create a space where everyone, especially new seasonal workers, could feel at home,” Bemis said. “We’ve always made it a priority to welcome everyone, from longtime locals to first-time visitors.”
The menu for this year’s potluck includes classic Thanksgiving staples such as turkey, baked ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dinner rolls, roasted squash and carrots. Community members are encouraged to bring a dish to share: those with last names A-K are asked to bring a side or salad, while L-Z attendees are invited to bring desserts.
In addition to the meal, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Snowmass Village-based Harvest for Hunger, a charitable organization committed to minimizing food waste in the Roaring Fork Valley while providing assistance to residents facing the high cost of living. Recommended items include canned tuna and soups, peanut butter, oatmeal, rice, pasta and other staples. Donations will be collected at the event and distributed through Snowmass Village’s food pantry.
“The potluck is not just about sharing a meal; it’s about supporting each other,” Madsen said. “Small gestures, like bringing a favorite dish or contributing to the food pantry, help build the sense of community that defines Snowmass.”
The event also reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and quality. “John insisted on real plates and tablecloths — no plastic or paper,” Bemis said. “He wanted it to feel special for everyone who attended.”
The potluck’s emphasis on connection continues throughout the ski season with the Kind Neighbor Project, beginning in January with a dinner hosted on Thursdays at Snowmass Chapel. The project organized by Madsen’s wife, Deborah, offers a space for newcomers and seasonal workers to gather, share a meal and form connections.
“Every Thursday night during the ski season, we serve dinner to over 100 people,” Madsen said. “It’s a great way for those new to the Valley to meet others and feel grounded in the community.”
Julie Ressler, Snowmass Chapel’s director of operations, noted that it’s also a time for longtime residents to reconnect. “It’s a chance to see people you may only run into once a year,” she said. “For seasonal workers, it’s a warm introduction to the community. For locals, it’s a cherished tradition.”
Bemis, now living in Fort Collins and still maintaining a home in Snowmass Village, will return for the potluck with her family. “Snowmass will always be home,” she said. “This event is a beautiful representation of what makes this community special.”
The potluck reminds us of the power of a festive meal to bring people together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, you are welcome to share in the warmth and tradition of this community event.