By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

There was a traditional turkey feast with all the trimmings. There were prizes given away, and even live entertainment.

But for many attending the annual community Thanksgiving dinner at the National Guard Armory, family was the day's main focus.

In the back of the room, Frank Owens, along with his wife, Ceena, and two children, had gathered to enjoy the meal. It was the first year for the family to attend, and they were joined by Ceena's grandmother and brother, who traveled from Larned for the occasion.

"We're just celebrating the season together," Frank Owens said. "Thanksgiving is all about family."

"And football," his brother-in-law, Andy Nelson agreed.

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance expected to serve about 350 people at its annual event. Servitude was another theme for the day. More than 100 volunteers signed up to help with the community dinner.

"There's such an outpouring in this community of people who want to serve," said Kyle Ermoian, ECMA president. "And that's what the spirit of Thanksgiving is all about."

After the main course, guests had their choice of dessert. About 120 pies were made and donated by members of ECMA churches.

For some at the event, the opportunity to be with fellow church-goers was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday. Jarrett Smolarkiewicz and his wife, Misty, have volunteered at the event for two consecutive years.

"This church that I've been going to since I came here in 2007, they are like my family," said Smolarkiewicz, a member of Celebration Community Church. "There's just a big sense of family."

A line formed outside the armory shortly before the event began at noon. And as visitors stepped inside, they were greeted with a warm smile from 8-year-old Skylar Aiken.

Aiken and her mother, Neysa, were busy greeting their guests and distributing raffle tickets. Her father, Bryan, also was at the door greeting visitors.

"I think it would be very nice to help people," Skylar Aiken said.

Neysa Aiken said she and her husband have helped before and decided their daughter also was old enough to get involved.

"We like the community so much, it's important to make it a great place to live," Neysa Aiken said. "I think this is one of the great things about the community -- that we help each other out and make it a good place that welcomes everybody."

Another mother-daughter team stood nearby, on the lookout for water glasses that might need refilled. Jennifer and Dan Hecker, along with their two children, Isaac and Olivia, decided to volunteer their time this year instead of traveling to be with family.

"It makes me feel good," 12-year-old Olivia Hecker said.

Jennifer Hecker said the family wanted to give something back to the community after 10 years of residency. But she hadn't expected so many others to give up time at home on Thanksgiving day.

"You hear volunteerism is down everywhere, and I look around and I'm blown away at all the people who came out to help," Jennifer Hecker said. "It's amazing. It's absolutely beautiful. You don't see this in bigger cities."