2020 marks the 85th production year of the original, sport utility vehicle. What are your memories of the Chevrolet Suburban??

Back in 1935, the world was a vastly changing place still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression. Amidst all this, Americans still found a way to reach new heights of innovation and achievement. Movies debuted in color for the first time, baseball home run records were shattered, and the last concrete was poured at the Hoover Dam, the world’s largest at the time. That same year, Chevrolet introduced the Suburban in the United States.

Still in production eight and a half decades since its debut, the Suburban has earned the title of the industry’s longest-running nameplate. In fact, Suburban is the first vehicle to reach 85 years of continuous production.

“While the world has changed significantly, the Suburban is just as relevant today as it was in 1935. Suburban created the sport utility vehicle – offering unprecedented combination of passenger comfort and cargo capacity,” said Paul Edwards, Chevrolet marketing vice president. “That has earned Suburban the trust of a wide range of people – from families to law enforcement, and even a starring-role in pop culture.”

“The name Suburban is so widely recognized that at various times over history it was used by a few vehicle manufacturers,” said Leslie Kendall, curator at the Petersen Automotive Museum. “But the Chevrolet Suburban – the forerunner of the modern SUV – has stood the test of time. From family road-trips to dignitary protection, to TV and film and everywhere in-between, over the last 85 years the Suburban has become a fixture of Americana.”
Over the years, the Suburban has cemented its place in the hearts of many. As a beloved part of the family, trusted bodyguard and member of the armed forces, first responder and even a movie star, the original SUV has built an impressive and unrivaled legacy worthy of a celebration.

The original 1935 Suburban could seat eight, while removable seats provided a large 115.1 cubic foot (3,259 L) cargo area when the second-row seats were folded and third-row seats removed. It was powered by an inline-six-cylinder engine that produced 60 horsepower.

The 2020 Suburban seats up to nine and offers up to 121.7 cubic feet (3,446 L) of maximum cargo space when second and third-row seats are folded down. The available 6.2L V-8 produces 420 horsepower – seven times the power of the 1935 model – with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg highway.

85 years of innovation
Car-based wagons for professional use were offered by most manufacturers throughout the early 1930s. Most of these early vehicles featured wood sides and canvas tops; and while they were versatile, their car-based platforms and damage-prone bodies were not suited for continuous commercial use.

It was clear that customers required something more. Chevrolet began testing an all-steel wagon body mounted on a commercial chassis in the mid-1930s. This research and development resulted in the launch of the Suburban Carryall in 1935 – the first heavy-duty, truck-based wagon of its kind.

The Suburban’s heavy-duty truck-based chassis increasingly found favor with commercial customers. In the post-World War II growth years, its popularity steadily increased with private customers who appreciated its uncompromising capabilities and dependable utility.

The Suburban hit mainstream fame in the early 1990s as part of the SUV boom. While many customers were new to the Suburban, it had a legion of longtime owners over the years. From hauling Little League teams and their equipment, to towing a horse trailer on the ranch, or transporting a work crew to a job site, the Suburban had become a fixture of American culture.

Generation 1 – 1935-40
The Suburban Carryall is introduced on a half-ton chassis, with a signature two-door body style that would be produced through 1967. Power came from Chevrolet’s tough “Stovebolt” inline-six that produced 60 horsepower (45 kW). In 1937, new Art Deco exterior design cues were added and power was increased to 79 horsepower (59 kW).

Generation 2 – 1941-46
Production of almost all civilian vehicles halted during America’s involvement in World War II, although many Chevy trucks – including the Suburban’s body style – were produced for military duty.

Generation 3 – 1947-55
Representing the first significant redesign of Chevrolet’s truck line since before the war, the Suburban was welcomed by professionals in need of an all-new workhorse. Torque from the inline-six engine was 174 lb-ft (217 Nm) at only 1,200 rpm, creating excellent towing capability.

Generation 4 – 1955-59
Revolutionary new styling and technology is introduced midway through the 1955 model year. Known as the “second series” design, it featured a wraparound windshield and the elimination of running boards – the body now flush with the fenders. The biggest addition was Chevrolet’s first V-8, the legendary Small Block. In 1955, factory-installed four-wheel drive is offered for the first time, with the famous NAPCO-supplied “Powr-Pak” system.

Generation 5 – 1960-66
All-new styling greeted the 1960s and Chevrolet instituted the C/K designations to denote models with 2WD (C) and 4WD (K). In 1963, a ladder-type, channel-section frame replaced the X-member, box-section frames used in previous years. With a focus on passenger comfort in 1965, factory-installed air conditioning and a rear-area heater are offered for the first time.

Generation 6 – 1967-72
A redesign of Chevy’s half-ton trucks is introduced, and for the first time since its debut, the Suburban now had three doors – with a single door on the driver’s side and front and rear doors on the passenger side. This new configuration, with easier access to the cargo area, was popular with ambulance companies.

Generation 7 – 1973-91
The Suburban is completely redesigned and for the first time, offered a conventional four-door body style. The wheelbase was stretched to 129.5 inches with an increased focus on interior comfort and amenities that brought more personal-use customers to Suburban. By the late-1980s, electronically controlled fuel injection and a four-speed overdrive transmission brought greater efficiency.

Generation 8 – 1992-1999
An all-new Suburban featured sleek styling with flush glass and composite headlamps. Other updates included four-wheel antilock brakes, Insta-Trac “shift-on-the-fly” on four-wheel-drive models and a suspension system designed to provide a more carlike ride. In 1998, available OnStar and the full-time AutoTrac all-wheel-drive system are added. In Australia, right-hand-drive versions of the Suburban are offered through GM’s Holden brand.

Generation 9 – 2000-2006
Launched in 1999 as a 2000 model, the 10th-generation Suburban brought new styling, new interiors and new powertrains. The engines included the Vortec 5.3L and 6.0L V-8s from the same Gen III Small Block family in the Corvette. New features included for first time are four-wheel disc brakes, a load-leveling suspension system and StabiliTrak electronic stability control.

Generation 10 – 2007-14
The Suburban features a wind tunnel-shaped exterior and elimination of traditional chrome front and rear bumpers. More efficient, comfortable and capable than ever, the Suburban continued to offer customers uncompromising capability and versatility. Safety and driver assistance feature updates included electronic trailer sway control, Hill Start Assist and available Side Blind Zone Alert¹.

Generation 11 – 2015-Present
Completely redesigned to be more functional and refined, while offering more features and a greater range of advanced technologies, the current Suburban is also more efficient, thanks to a range of enhancements that include a more aerodynamic design and a new, direct-injected EcoTec3 5.3L engine. Improved aerodynamics also contributes to a quieter interior. A bevy of standard customer-focused technology features like 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (requires available data plan)², Apple CarPlay³ and Android Auto⁴ are also added.

Tags: chevrolet, legacy, look back, suburban
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Chevrolet has announced the launch of Mi Familia, My Chevy, a national online contest that celebrates Hispanic families. Chevy is calling on Hispanic families to submit their unique stories for the chance to be selected and awarded the road trip of a lifetime, complete with personal chauffeurs and the latest Chevy vehicles for up to 9 family members.

The online contest is open for submissions through December 31. Families must submit a photo that highlights a special family moment or milestone, then write a short response explaining more about their family and what a road trip would mean to them.

“At Chevrolet, we understand the importance of road trips for families and are excited to kick off this inaugural contest,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “Family is at the fabric of Hispanic culture and we want Chevrolet to play a contributing role in building road trip memories.”

Among Hispanic customers, Chevy is the third best-selling automotive brand, making vehicles that meet the unique needs of today’s Hispanic families and helping to keep them safe on the road. Hispanic vehicles sales account for 14% of all Chevy sales.

As part of the program, Chevrolet has enlisted three Hispanic influencers to capture and share their own Chevy family road trip experiences through their social and digital channels.  Each influencer will drive one of Chevrolet’s latest products, including the All-New 2020 Silverado, 2020 Blazer and the 2020 Traverse. These brand ambassadors will also encourage Hispanic audiences to submit their unique contest entries.

Families will also have the chance to enter the contest at select upcoming Chevy events. These events include:

• San Antonio Auto and Truck Show (November 21-24, 2019)
• Phoenix Auto Show (November 28, 2019 – December 1, 2019)

The winning family will be selected and announced in January, 2020. The grand prize road trip will take place in Spring 2020 and includes a 6 day, 5 night adventure which begins in Miami, Florida, where the winning family will make stops in their Chevy to enjoy the culture of Miami and experience a baseball fan’s dream in West Palm Beach, before ending in a magical vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, where it only takes a moment together to create memories that last a lifetime.

To learn more about the Mi Familia, My Chevy contest, please visit http://www.chevyfamilia.com/. Follow the conversation on social by using the hashtag #MiFamiliaMyChevy.

Tags: chevrolet, contest, disney, family, hispanic
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Chevrolet recently announced some changes to the upcoming 2021 Colorado. Take a look at some of the design and functionality enhancements that will make this popular pickup truck even more appealing to buyers in the midsize truck segment.

Front End Changes

Part of the reason Chevrolet is making major updates to the Colorado is to help differentiate the available trim levels. In order to separate the top-level ZR2 trim from the WT, LT, and Z71 trims, the lower three trims will feature a new lower fascia and grille design, helping them to stand out. Read the rest of this entry »

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The holiday season is a time to reflect, express gratitude, and give to those in need. Locally, the White Center Food Bank is one of the longest-serving charities in the area. Nearly 20,000 families, almost 58,000 people, utilized the resources at the White Center Food Bank.

It takes a village…a very large village…to keep a food bank like this continually supplied with food so that no one in our community goes hungry. Especially this holiday season. The holidays are stressful for almost everyone, but for people who are already struggling to feed their families or themselves, they can be almost unbearable. Let’s do what we can to lift up the burdens of our neighbors and make sure they have full plates and full bellies.

If you are in need of services from the White Center Food Bank, you can book your appointment online.

Donate to the White Center Food Bank this holiday season! Any amount helps and you can make it a one-time gift or regular donation.

If you know of other local charities you would like highlighted on our blog, please let us know!

Tags: Burien, charity, food bank, local, white center
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Sushi is a staple in the Pacific Northwest, and Burien has its fair share of sushi-lovers. But where do they go for the best sushi in Burien? At Burien Chevrolet, we love sushi as well and these are our top 3 sushi restaurants in town.

Sushi Maki

Sushi Maki is arguably the most popular sushi restaurant in Burien, but you wouldn’t know it from its outward appearance, or even at first glance when you walk in the door. This unassuming storefront hides a treasure-trove of delicious Japanese cuisine. Their specialty is rolls and you can find the traditional rolls, such as California and Rainbow, as well as their own unique sushi roll creations.

For those who love sushi, however, this is where Sushi Maki steps up their game. The maguro, nigiri, and hamachi are all fan favorites, made from the freshest ingredients possible. Even inexperienced sushi connoisseurs enjoy the buttery taste and texture of their salmon. Be sure to enjoy a cold, imported Japanese beer with your dinner at this affordable Burien sushi spot. Read the rest of this entry »

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When it arrives in showrooms in Spring 2020, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer will provide a uniquely youthful, yet functional alternative to the fast-growing small SUV segment.

Like Chevrolet’s latest line of SUVs, the Trailblazer features a bold front fascia and sports car-inspired rear design. The ACTIV trim package amplifies this sporty style with a two-tone roof, unique front and rear fascia and dual exhaust, along with sport terrain tires and suspension tuning enhancements.

“Slotting between the Trax and Equinox, the addition of the Trailblazer provides us with a great opportunity to expand the Chevy SUV family to new audiences,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet passenger car and crossover marketing. “With the new ACTIV trim, plus the sporty RS trim, we can appeal to customers’ varying active lifestyles.”

Design Stands Out from Competition
The all-new Trailblazer has a character of its own, bringing a bold and expressive look to the segment, and a new level of personalization.

“The Trailblazer doesn’t simply let customers express their personal style. It encourages it with uniquely styled trims that allow buyers to select a vehicle that reflects their lifestyle,” said Stuart Norris, design director of global Chevrolet compact SUVs. “Its design is bold, confident and full of personality.”

The Trailblazer’s exterior styling, which follows in the theme set by the Chevy Blazer, features Chevy’s signature dual-port grille, which gives its face a multilayered, dimensional appearance. The accent bar is integrated with the headlamps, helping to visually widen its stance, while a simulated front skidplate adds a sense of strength.

ACTIV trim Trailblazers feature a new interpretation of the signature dual-port grille, with a larger opening for a more rugged look. The RS trim features a performance-inspired mesh grille with black Chevy bowtie and unique front splitter elements to define its sporty demeanor.

The side profile includes taut bodyside lines, a sleek roofline and a bold hood shape to accentuate the Trailblazer’s youthful character. RS and ACTIV trim models boost the visual appeal with standard two-tone roofs. Large, wraparound taillamps seamlessly span the liftgate and bodyside, which adds to the visual width of the Trailblazer, providing a more planted look.

Inside, the Trailblazer features a driver-focused, dual-cockpit interior design with an integrated center stack. High-quality finishes and stitching are customized to allow for different appearances at each trim level. The center console provides several storage options with up to 3.5 liters of open storage and 4.4 liters of storage under the armrest, as well as dual cupholders.

Suite of Standard Safety and Driver Assistance Features
All Trailblazer trims come with a comprehensive list of standard active safety and driver assistance features2, including:

• Forward Collision Alert
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• IntelliBeam Headlamps (Auto High Beam Assist)
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Vision Camera
• Teen Driver
• Rear Seat Reminder3
• OnStar4

Additional optional active safety and driver assistance features² include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera
• Rear Park Assist
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• HD Rear Vision Camera

ACTIV Tuned for Off-Road Use
Trailblazer ACTIV is equipped with unique tires and shock tuning. The ACTIV dampers are tuned to enhance vehicle performance and ride comfort when traveling on gravel roads.  The Hankook Sport Terrain 17-inch tires feature an aggressive shoulder design and an all-season tread pattern.

The front fascia on Trailblazer ACTIV has been revised with the lower section designed for improved ground clearance. Additional exterior differentiation includes two-tone roof, standard roof rails and trapezoid-shaped exhaust tips.

Connectivity and Functionality
The Trailblazer will feature Chevy’s latest infotainment system⁵, providing the ability to use two Bluetooth-paired phones⁶ concurrently, which enables passengers in the vehicle to use their cellphones hands-free or the driver to use multiple phones hands-free.

The audio system has available wireless Apple CarPlay⁷ and Android Auto8 connectivity and available SiriusXM with 360L⁹, featuring exclusive content, including commercial-free music, interviews, shows and performances. The system even learns customer preferences and shares recommendations based on listening habits. SiriusXM with 360L delivers both a satellite and streaming listening experience with more SiriusXM channels than ever before in the vehicle, plus the ability to make on-demand programming choices.

The Trailblazer features 40/60 split folding second row seats, which enables the vehicle to accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long. Overall storage capacity is rated up to 54.4cubic feet¹⁰ with the second row folded. For additional convenience, an available hands-free liftgate, with logo projection improves ease of loading and unloading cargo.

Power and AWD Confidence
Powered by either a 1.2L turbo or 1.3L turbo engine, the Trailblazer will deliver up to 155 horsepower. Both engines are mated with a standard Continuously Variable Transmission with selectable stop/start capability. A nine-speed automatic transmission is also available on Trailblazers equipped with the 1.3L engine and all-wheel drive.

The Trailblazer is available with Chevy’s selectable AWD, also found in the Blazer and Traverse. Selectable AWD allows drivers to decide whether to activate their AWD system in off-road or inclement weather situations, or to deactivate when AWD performance is not required, to achieve improved fuel economy.

Drive modes on front-wheel drive models include:

• Normal: Tailored for daily commuting and focused on ride comfort
• Snow: Provides more progressive throttle input for improved vehicle acceleration on snow- and ice-covered roads
• Sport: Modifies steering effort and shifting for a sportier feel and response

AWD models add unique calibrations for more rear-wheel torque at lower speeds to improve the driving experience on moderately steep and unpaved surfaces.

The Trailblazer is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms in spring 2020. Specific trim and option pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

Tags: 2020, chevrolet, chevy, trailblazer
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Has the baby bump become uncomfortable and the big day could be any day? There are likely countless tasks running through your mind about preparing this or finishing that, but preparing for the drive to the hospital shouldn’t be overlooked. Keep the following in mind as you prepare for a safe drive to the hospital.

Practice the Route in Advance

There may be several ways to get to the hospital and it’s important to know all of them well. Choose the fastest or easiest route as Route A and only deviate from this route if there are problems such as construction or an accident. Know Route B and Route C just as well as you know Route A.

Practice all hospital routes often. If you always practice your route at the same time of day, you may not realize that there is heavy traffic in the evenings, for example, and that the route isn’t ideal at specific times. Practice driving these routes on different days of the week at all different times so you know what to expect on the big day.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Preparing to leave for the hospital isn’t only about having that “hospital bag” sitting next to the door; your vehicle should also be just as prepared. When on your way home from any errands, always stop to fill up for gas. Even if you didn’t go very far, you always want to top off.

You can also have comfort items already in the car so they are ready when you are. Comfort items to bring might be a favorite pillow, a soft blanket, or even a playlist that was prepared in advance.

Have a Friend Ready to Go

You will most likely have a few minutes from the time you start feeling contractions or your water breaks to the time you leave for the hospital. Have some phone numbers for friends or family who can be on standby ready to assist with the drive to the hospital.

This additional person can help start the group notification chat and help the driver with directions should unforeseen traffic pop up. They can also help mom-to-be get through contractions and concerns, keeping the driver’s attention on the road

to help get to the hospital safely.

Drive Deliberately and Slowly

Labor rarely progresses so quickly that you should rush to the hospital, increasing the risk of a car accident. You’re more likely to get there in time and safely if you slow down. Be sure to put your hazard lights on so others know you are going slow. Another way to alert drivers to your cautiousness is to have a pre-made sign put up in the back window to let them know the good news!

Another way to make sure the growing family gets to the hospital safely and comfortably is to invest in a new vehicle. The right family car will be there for you as you leave the hospital with your bundle of joy as well as when you leave that child at school for the first time. Burien Chevrolet has the perfect family car for you. Stop by and test drive one today.

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There is no reason to wait for Black Friday to get Black Friday deals at Burien Chevrolet! Because we are having Black Friday deals ALL of November!

It is the time of year when we need to move those 2019 models while it’s still 2019…which means incredible savings for you! We are talking more than $10,000 off in some cases.

See all our Specials online, but check out some of our sweet deals below and be sure to stop by Burien Toyota to go for a test drive!

 

 

   

 

*Prices for vehicles as equipped do not include charges such as: License, Title, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes, Finance Charges, Credit Investigation, Optional Credit Insurance, Physical Damage or Liability Insurance, Delivery Fees, or a negotiable $150 Documentary Fee. All photos on website for illustration purposes only. Where actual vehicle photos are not available, stock image representations may be displayed. Prototype features or options may be displayed. Dealership makes no representations, expressed or implied, to any actual or prospective purchaser or owner of vehicles as to the existence, ownership, accuracy, description or condition of vehicles’ listed equipment, accessories, price or any warranties. Prices may include dealer installed options. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to the sales transaction. With approved credit. Must qualify for all applicable rebates. All offers include GM trade-in assistance discount. Must trade 2010 or newer vehicle. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. 0% APR for 72 months for qualified buyers. Monthly payment is $13.89 for every $1000 you finance. Example down payment: 18%. Some customers will not qualify. Take delivery by 12-02-2019. See Dealer for details.

Tags: black friday, Burien, chevrolet, deals, discount
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Planning a birthday party for your child allows you to celebrate their special day, while helping them have fun with their friends. As you’re deciding where to host their next party, take a look at some of the local spots that offer birthday party packages and plenty of fun for kids of all ages.

The Jungle Gym

The Jungle Gym is an indoor play spot in Burien offering a wide range of activities for children. Kids can bounce, zip, climb, swing, roll, flip, and have a blast on the indoor rock wall, soft bounce houses, and gymnastics equipment. The company will also help you host a stress-free and fun birthday party where guests can go through an obstacle course, use the zipline, swing on a trapeze, and enjoy free play.

When you reserve a room, you’ll get private use of the space for an hour and 45 minutes. It will be set up with festive decorations and the team will take care of the cleanup. You can bring any food you want to enjoy during the party or receive a discount on pizza from a nearby parlor. Extras include a jungle bounce house, dancing mascots, and filled pinatas.

iFly

If you have an adventure-seeking child, check out iFly Seattle, which is about 12 miles from Burien. A party at this location will surely be one to remember, as the guests will experience body flight while indoor skydiving. Highly trained and certified coaches will instruct each guest on how to hold their body and participate in the activity safely and, after the instruction, your child and their friends can take part in a memorable skydiving experience.

Additional flight enhancements are available as part of the party package such as a high flight, which will allow each participant to fly much higher in the chamber. You can also add catered food, cake, ice cream, drinks, an audio system with music or a live DJ, party favors, decorations, and a private party room with audio and video capabilities. For a thrilling party, make sure to check out iFly Seattle.

Wiggle Works Kids

For younger children, check out Wiggle Works Kids in nearby Bellevue. This location features an indoor playground designed for children who measure under 48-inches in height, so it’s a fun spot to host a toddler’s birthday party. Party packages include admission for up to 15 guests and the birthday boy or girl, unlimited playtime on the moving playscape, exclusive use of the private party room, two balloon bouquets, and colored paper products and utensils. You’ll also have a dedicated party coordinator to assist.

If you want to bring your own food, you can do so or, the venue can order pizza for you. Additional options available for purchase include goody bags, pinatas, banners, extra balloons, more playtime, snacks, and festive themed items.

Plan an exciting and unique party for your child at one of these locations where you can make sure they have a birthday party to remember. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up your house in preparation for guests. The venue will take care of all the prep and cleanup for you!

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Every area of the country has it’s own culture, it’s own way of being local. Especially when it comes to the holidays! All of us here at Burien Chevrolet love living in the Pacific Northwest, so if you have family visiting and want to show them a very Puget Sound Thanksgiving, here are some ideas:

• Don’t skip the turkey. But also don’t be afraid to add some pink to your table with SALMON. That’s right, salmon is a great addition to any Thanksgiving feast. The host shouldn’t make the turkey and the fish, so don’t be afraid to ask for/offer help! If not a whole salmon with dinner, any kind of salmon dip or appetizer works great, too.
• Mushrooms. While the scientific survey of us asking around produced few people who actually have mushroom gravy (unlike what this article says), mushrooms as sides or ingredients are very common at the Thanksgiving table in Pacific Northwest. Add them to your sauteed green beans if you want to give them a try!
• Brussel sprouts. Oh yeah. They may be an acquired taste, but nothing says holiday dinner like steamed brussel sprouts. Or bake them with bacon bits.
• Don’t forget about the sweet potatoes with marshmallows (only native grown and sold, please) and fruits that we have in abundance here in the Pacific Northwest: apples and pears! There are so many ways to incorporate them and it makes your table uniquely local.
• Go light on the Native American references of Thanksgiving. We love the local Puget Sound Native American communities and understand they may see Thanksgiving differently than the traditional viewpoint.
• Be prepared for rain. Even if you have a huge backyard, be prepared for all those kiddos to be stuck inside because it will probably rain.
• Apple Cup! Really, Thanksgiving is just Apple Cup eve. Where are the good little Cougar and Husky fans leave out Thanksgiving leftovers before they go to bed for the football gods and have gravy dreams of their team hoisting the trophy at the end of the most important game of the season.

Need some more ideas and even a timeline? This article breaks down what you need to do and how far in advance to make sure everything is done in time for dinner!

What are some of your favorite things that make your Thanksgiving uniquely local? We want to hear!

Tags: apple cup, dinner, food, Thanksgiving, traditions
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