Missin' da Bird

This weekend is our home town Yellville's annual celebration paying homage to the beloved Turkey.
"Turkey Trot"
Thousands of people fill the streets for the parade, music, crafts, games and to visit the myriad of booths hosting wares from all over the county.
There are contests including Miss Turkey Trot, not to be confused by Miss Drumsticks, a rodeo (also not to be confused with Miss Drumsticks), and of course, the National Wild Turkey Calling Contest.
There is the community wide Turkey dinner and all sorts of other interesting fair type foods, including Turkey Drumsticks, home made root beer, funnel cakes and nachos.

But the highlight of this annual Turkey focused extravaganza is the "Turkey drop."
This is not an organization sanctioned event. There is no listing for it on the schedule of events.
BUT 4 or 5 times during the two day event, a mysterious airplane flies low over the town square - a side door opens - and out flies a live turkey (or 2 or 3). The turkey usually flaps for a second or two before getting it's bearings, then settles into a smooth glide down to the mass of humanity waiting below.
The square temporarily becomes chaotic as children, teens, and even a good number of grown-ups chase the turkey down. The captor earns him/herself the admiration of all, a picture or two in the local paper, and finally, a Thanksgiving meal.
(I am proud to say that I had my 15 minutes of Turkey Trot fame while a Freshman in High School - and yes the picture to prove it.)

Sarah is there in Yellville today - enjoying being with the family and the events.
We are not.
Yes, we are a little down today - thinking of family, the food and the Kamakazi turkeys.
But that's okay - we have memories from last year and pictures to remember the good times.

I have tried to explain Turkey Trot to some Russians. They just don't get it - go figure!

S'Bogum and missin' da bird
Tim for the Wickers