Fun with Turkeys

The Turkey Trot Festival was created 38 years ago when the Chamber of Commerce wanted to have a community celebration to honor the farmers and processors as well as the turkeys who play a big part in the rural economy of the area. Hundreds of thousands of turkeys are raised on area farms. The Trot is held just north of the tiny town of Montgomery, Indiana. It is an annual event scheduled for the second weekend of September, or the weekend after Labor Day, from Thursday through Sunday.

The highlight of the Turkey Trot Festival is (what else?) the Turkey Race. The Turkey Race is run in several heats, some with different age groups or different participation categories. The turkeys are fitted with leather harnesses, and each has a Turkey Jockey (human) who runs with the bird. Different heats are run daily throughout the four-day event, culminating in the Championship Turkey Races on the final day.

If you know anything about turkeys, you may know that adult toms weigh in at 50 pounds. That's a lot of heavy-wing-flapping-gobbling to contend with. Younger birds are used in most of the races, since they are smaller and perhaps a bit more persuadable. However, no turkey wants to run, so jockeys must use their wit and ingenuity to get their bird to move across the finish line first. No dragging is allowed. The turkeys must walk, run, flap, or otherwise move across the line by themselves. In years past, ingenious jockeys have tried many types of encouragement, including the proverbial dangling-bait-on-a-stick. Turkeys are not bright birds, and even the most resourceful persuasive techniques tried by jockeys often go unnoticed by the turkeys.

The Turkey Trot has the regular trappings of typical local events, such as prize drawings, concessions, carnival rides, flea market and crafts. Area organizations and businesses have booths giving away promotional samples and information. Competitions besides the Turkey Races are Open Horse Pull, Stock Tractor Pull, ITPA Truck Pull, Mud Volleyball tournament, Demolition Derby, and Pig Wrestling.

Country music is part of the festival, and over the years some big names have appeared, including Crystal Gayle, The Kendalls, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Anderson, Steve Wariner, Earl Thomas Conley, Terri Gibbs, Moe Bandy, The Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, Shenandoah, Little Jimmy Dickens, Mel McDaniel, Kenny Chesney, The Kentucky Headhunters, Marshall Tucker Band, Sammy Kershaw. The list goes on.

The Turkey Trot has become an established tradition in southwestern Indiana, drawing large crowds from many miles away. Weird as it may seem, the Turkey Races have a loyal following. The area also boasts Amish restaurants, antique shops, and other country-style attractions.