With a whoop and a “run Ruby run,” the Cuero 53rd annual Turkeyfest begins this year on Friday, October 10th.
From its beginnings in the early 1900s with flocks of turkeys being moved downtown to the beloved festival we know today, Cuero Turkeyfest organizers expect a crowd of at least 15,000 to attend this year’s festivities.
Friday evening, the festivities begin with the gates opening at the carnival and animal races at the petting zoo. The main event kicks off Saturday morning when Ruby looks to get a win against Paycheck following the loss in Worthington in September. The race will be followed by the annual parade featuring floats, bands, cars and horses, with maybe even a vintage tractor or two.
Led by this year’s parade marshals, the Cuero Lady Gobblers basketball team that went to state last year, the parade will begin at 11 a.m. following the 10 a.m. Gobbler Gallup.
“We like to try to have local kids who have done something special each year,” Sherry Oakes race team coach said of this year’s marshals.
Event goers can start the day early at the Downtown Main Street Walkway with the free Ruby’s community breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information on the festival, see the Cuero Record insert for a complete schedule of events.
Besides providing an opportunity for the community to come together in celebration of Cuero’s roots and history, the Cuero Turkeyfest Organization is designed to give back to the community.
“We give back somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000 each year,” Oakes said. She said that they support their donors and those who have helped make Turkeyfest a success.
Participants at this year’s event should expect a full line-up of activities. Highlights include turkey egg hunt and a kids tractor pull. There will be food, music and lots of fun, according to the Turkeyfest organizers.
