Neptune Beach Fla - What started as one lonesome bartender has evolved into a beaches tradition that many depend on as part of their holiday routine. Thirty years ago, one bartender was working on Thanksgiving Day and called his friends to keep him company. The friends showed up, along with the bartenders’ relatives and the rest is history.

Year after year, speculation always surrounds Thanksgiving Day at Pete’s Bar – is it happening? Is security cracking down? Can you bring drinks into the area? The reason for speculation is a result of how big the celebration has become. According to Nancy Jensen, owner and granddaughter of original owner, Peter B. Jensen, Thanksgiving Day at Pete’s started getting big 5 years ago. “We advertised the first couple of years, but now its word of mouth. We’re also open Christmas Day since a lot of people want to congregate at the bar if their family is out of town and the help is always voluntary.”

If you’re planning to attend this year’s Thanksgiving Day at Pete’s, leave your Bloody Mary at home and follow these simple steps:

•    Pay attention to entry points – the area will be barricaded off and there will be security at each entrance point.
•    No backpacks or large purses – think Game Day friendly bags.
•    No pets, bikes, skateboards, coolers, glass containers, etc.
•    Leave your toddy at home! If you need a hair of the dog, you’ll have to get it from Pete’s.

Thanksgiving Day at Pete’s will start at 9am and end around 2pm. However, we’re confident a few stragglers will linger into the afternoon hours until wafts of turkey and stuffing fill the air, bringing them home for the holiday.

Article written by: Stevan Schwartzenberger, Contributing Writer for BeachesTownCenter.com and PR Strategist at Urban Coastal Media