Turk O' Day

• Turk O' Day

Turk O' Day

Talk about it

Wow! Paycheck, Ruby Begonia and both teams sure added elements of excitement to this year’s King Turkey Day festivities. Way to go, Paycheck!

Paycheck skedaddled up that street so fast his team couldn’t even keep up with him. Unfortunately for Team Cuero, Ruby did some skedaddling of her own — into the crowd. Ruby has her work cut out for her if she hopes to make up any of that time in the second heat, which will take place in Cuero, Texas Oct. 8.

KTD 2011 was a heck of a good time, despite the chilly weather. In true Minnesotan fashion, folks just bundled up a bit before heading to downtown Worthington for the fun.

I felt strangely compelled to visit the Long Branch Saloon Saturday morning, and once I entered the building I understood why. Those competitive turkey callers sure know there stuff.

Watching runners cross the finish line at the end of the KTD 10k run was exciting. Despite Paycheck and Ruby’s race history, most turkeys aren’t that anxious to run any marathons, so seeing so many people push themselves to succeed and excel was great. As great were the enthusiastic audience members, who cheered, clapped and rang bells for the runners as the passed.

Shortly before noon, I could sure tell where everyone’s thoughts were headed. The delicious smells wafting over downtown had people following their rumbling bellies to the food vendor area. Indian tacos, kettle corn, ribs, hot dogs, pizza — you name it, someone had it. As a turkey, I’m not much of a meat eater, but I couldn’t resist a steak sandwich and fries from the Nobles County Corn & Soybean Growers booth.

I almost gave into temptation when I passed the booth with deep-fried Oreos, but managed to stay away. After all, turkeys aren’t supposed to stuff themselves.

Hearing Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar talk turkey smack before the race was pretty funny.

Klobuchar promised she would be fair as a race judge, but pointed out that last time she judged the race, Paycheck won. I guess she’s good luck!

Franken stated he had spoken to Paycheck before the race and given him a good rubdown.

“May the best turkey win,” he announced. “And that would be Paycheck.”

The featured KTD speaker was Liz Collin, and she had some great stories to tell from her broadcasting career.

Collin has been working at WCCO for several years now, and attributes her success to growing up in Worthington, where she was supported by so many people. Her first broadcast job came at the age of 15, she said.

“Those kinds of opportunities aren’t available to kids in the big cities,” she said.

She encouraged anyone listening to follow their dreams, as she did.

“In a town like this, they have a great chance of coming true,” she added.

Well said, Liz.

The parade was great, as usual. I love the marching bands, and seeing all those happy people on the floats is fun. Good job, everyone!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy King Turkey Day. I’ll be back next year to keep you all informed of KTD antics, happenings and events. For 2011, this is Turk O’Day, signing off.

Tags: king turkey day, turk o' day, news