WORTHINGTON -- Today is the day for poultry pride, fowl fanfare, Paycheck posturing and Ruby Begonia braggadocio. Long live King Turkey!
But the turkeys aren't the only guests of honor at this year's celebration. Local veterans -- and those who served in World War II in particular -- are being celebrated through many aspects of today's festivities.
WWII vets from Nobles County -- many who have either already gone on Honor Flight or will go in October -- will serve as parade marshals. They will spend a chunk of the day riding around in a horse-drawn trolley, first to listen to featured speaker Earl Morse, co-founder of the Honor Flight initiative, at 1 p.m. at the reviewing stand on 10th Street and then through the parade route.
When the trolley has made its way down the length of 10th Street and McMillan, it will head over to the First United Methodist Church, where the veterans and their families will be honored at a reception from 2:30 to 5 p.m. This event will give them a chance to meet and greet Morse.
Following directly behind the veterans and Morse in the parade will be the South Dakota Highlanders Pipe & Drum, a Shrine unit out of Sioux Falls. The Highlanders' participation is particularly appropriate as they "volunteer some of their free time to superbly represent and excellently serve" active military personnel and veterans.
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According to the group's website: "Our goal is to bring honor, dignity, and a unique Highland respect to those worthwhile and special occasions that require deference, appreciation and beneficial notice. Our objectives are also to preserve, teach and propagate those traditional Highland arts to new generations of South Dakota citizens. Our work is integrally dedicated to enhancing the cultural diversity and musical enrichment that may be experienced in South Dakota and the surrounding region."
In addition to marching and performing in the parade, the Highlanders will also serenade the veterans at the afternoon reception.
After losing by such a small margin last year -- a valiant contest but a devastating loss -- my feathered kin Paycheck is determined to reclaim the title of Turkey Capital of the World for Worthington in the Great Gobbler Gallop.
When I was talking to him earlier this week, Paycheck mentioned that crowd support is vital to his performance in the race, particularly in front of his home crowd. He loves to hear the cheers pushing him toward the finish line, and mentioned that it's also encouraging to see signs of support in the crowd.
So all you youngsters out there, make up a sign that says "Go Paycheck" or something similar, bring it with you to the festivities and hold it up so he can see it during the race. Let's help make our bird a winner!
Reminder: Have a fun AND safe King Turkey Day. In conjunction with Worthington Taxi Service, the Worthington Police Department and Nobles County Sheriff's Office will once again offer the Safe Cab program from 10 p.m. today through 2 a.m. Saturday. For more information, call Worthington Taxi 372-4300.
