SLIDESHOW: Peeling Party In Anticipation of the 26th Annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving Feed

Wednesday night, more than 200 volunteers peeled carrots, potatoes and butternut squash in anticipation of the 26th Annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving Feed at Eagles Hall on Thanksgiving Day.

Mark and Karen Curtis are expected to serve almost 2,500 free Thanksgiving meals either at Eagles Hall today between noon and 6 p.m., or deliver meals to those in need at their homes in the MetroWest area.

The Framingham High boys swim team are now the “regulars” at the onion table, as most of the swimmers now attend the annual peeling party with swim goggles in hand.

Framingham Girl Scout Troop 72082 was at the peeling party for its 8th year. The now grade 8 girls spent the evening peeling and cubing scores upon scores of butternut squash. They started volunteering as first grade Brownie Scouts, where they put rolls into individual bags and scooped cranberry sauce into take-out containers.

The peeling party brings together many high school students, families, Scouts, and Rotary Club members annually. Everyone has fun, and some cry a little - some a lot - from the onions, even with the swim team on duty.

Today, Thanksgiving Day, volunteers are still needed.

Volunteers are needed at Eagles Hall to set up the buffet, which starts at noon. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals And just like at home, volunteers are needed to wash dishes.

A sad note to this year’s event, Mark & Karen Curtis closed their restaurant - Eagles All-American Grille - after almost a decade in operation at 8 p.m. last night.

The couple are committed to continuing the free Thanksgiving meal. And they will continue operating their catering business.

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To view almost 50 photos from Wednesday night’s peeling party, click the Facebook link below.