CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. -- Beaufort Historic Association is bringing the community together at its annual Thanksgiving feast.

On Sunday, about 300 people came out to enjoy a turkey dinner at the Josiah Bell House.

All meals were prepared and donated by at least 12 different Beaufort restaurants.

For the past 20 years, the Thanksgiving feast has served as an official start to holiday happenings in the community.

Residents say it's that sense of community that truly makes the gathering worthwhile.

"When you come in here and you're eating, it's like you're having a giant, giant, giant wonderful family that everybody really loves everyone because we're not really related," said Beaufort resident Marlene Anderson. "So what we're related through is living here and loving it."

Organizers say the event raises about $6,000 every year.

All proceeds go toward preserving the rich history of the Beaufort historic site.