DISHING OUT A PILAU DINNER: Join the Thomasville History Center on Election Night for the annual Pilau Dinner on the grounds.

THOMASVILLE- The Thomasville History Center’s election night tradition began in 1993 and 31 years later, it’s still cooking.

First introduced to the History Center community by Jasper Davis in 1993, the annual event has provided significant funds toward the History Center’s operations and programs. It began as a fundraising dinner for renovations to the Smith Log House and Kitchen and has grown into a community tradition drawing crowds each Election Night.

For those new to pilau, it is pronounced “per-loo.” It is a savory chicken and rice dish spiced with black pepper and served with crackers, sweet pickles, coleslaw, and dessert.

This year’s Pilau will be Tuesday, November 7 and is generously sponsored by Thomasville National Bank. Pick up the dinners on Jerger Street from 4 until 6:30 p.m. The History Center invites the public to enjoy their dinners picnic style on the grounds starting at 5:30 p.m. while enjoying live music from the Smith Homestead porch, featuring the acoustic sounds of Blue Burden. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets and beverages. Limited table seating will be available.

Everyone is encouraged to rock their “Parlez-vous Pilau” t-shirts at the event! Made for the 30th anniversary, these special t-shirts show off everyone’s Pilau pride and support the ongoing work of the Thomasville History Center. Adult shirts are from the popular Comfort Colors brand and youth sizes are soft cotton. Order online at thomasvillehistory.org/pilau and pick-up at the Eat-In table during the event.

Tickets are $12 each and plates include pilau, coleslaw, pickles, crackers, and dessert. To purchase tickets and merchandise online, please visit www.thomasvillehistory.org/pilau.

The Thomasville History Center was formed in 1952 and opened the museum within the Flowers-Roberts House in 1972. Since 1972, the History Center’s collections have grown to include more than 500,000 artifacts and archival materials and eight historic structures. The History Center, in partnership with the state of Georgia, also operates the historic Lapham-Patterson House. The board, staff, and growing membership invites the public to join them in enriching the community through the exploration and discovery of its history, people, and stories.