King Turkey Day Events and Activities

The week preceding King Turkey Day is traditionally filled with activity. Dances are scheduled at the Coliseum Ballroom and the Long Branch Saloon. The Southwest Minnesota Street Rodders host a Classic Car Roll-In, the Garden Club sponsors a Flower Show, and area youngsters compete for the titles of Little Miss and Mr. Northland Mall.  To see this years schedule of events click here.

Start With A Pancake Breakfast
King Turkey Day starts with a free pancake breakfast, a tradition started in 1939. Turkey Day volunteers serve pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Sports activities abound, with the Boys & Girls Cross Country Turkey Trot and the Junior Varsity Volleyball Tournament.

Bargain and treasure hunters can shop at the Flea Market located on Fourth Avenue and 10th Street, while collectors can find baseball paraphernalia at the King Turkey Day Baseball Card Show at Northland Mall.

Politicians, Turkey Races, Parade
The featured speaker holds forth at 1:00 p.m. on 10th Street, and serves as honorary flag person for the Great Gobbler Gallop turkey race at 1:30 p.m. After the dust and feathers have settled, it’s time for the King Turkey Day Parade, a one and one-half hour extravaganza with bands, color and precision units, floats, politicians, beauty queens, clowns, and novelty items. Most spectators bring lawn chairs to watch the parade in comfort. Vendors supply food, candy, beverages and beer near the downtown parade route.

Pictured here are the race teams and Minnesota Governor, Jesse Ventura