Guests enjoy Christmas Day dinner at Polk County Middle School, while at least one volunteer attends to their table. The late Ross Fox founded the event some years ago to provide a place where Polk County residents could enjoy a full holiday dinner, complete with cloth napkins and volunteers to serve them and to clean the dishes. After Fox’s death over two years ago, Carlann and Dave Sherping have directed the event. About 300 local residents partook in the meal, many of them enjoying meeting friends and neighbors. (Photos by Mark Schmerling/Tryon Daily Bulletin contributor)

A group of local residents enjoys dinner.

Among those providing music were Becky Kraai (left) and Derek Harrison.