Thanksgiving came early for about 40 residents of Vicksburg’s four nursing homes.

The residents who were able were taken Monday on a field trip to Shoney’s for a seated feast of all the holiday’s essentials served up by a handful of notables in local government and business.

The outing put Vicksburg Convalescent Home resident Marie Smith, 83, in a festive mood.

“Everything was nice,” Smith said, eyeing what was left of a plate of ham, turkey, stuffing and green beans. “It was beautiful.”

Patient activity coordinators at Vicksburg Convalescent, Shady Lawn Nursing Home, Heritage House Retirement Center and Covenant Health & Rehab of Vicksburg hope to make the event an annual affair.

“We hope to make this into a tradition,” said Amy Brooks, activity coordinator at Vicksburg Convalescent. “We want to show we are thankful and grateful.”

Ruby Smith, Marie’s sister who visits her frequently, said it’s a perfect change of scenery for her or other residents.

“It’s very important for her to do it and to be back in the holiday spirit,” Ruby Smith said.

Shoney’s donated the food as part of a larger mission by its corporate office to give back to the communities in which it operates, district manager Joe Watson said.

“A bunch of employees jumped on the idea,” he said.

Guest waiters included Sheriff Martin Pace, North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield, local fitness guru Linda Fondren, state Rep. George Flaggs, Warren County Supervisors John Arnold and William Banks, Vicksburg Police Chief Walter Armstrong and VPD Deputy Chief John Dolan.