Turkeyfest over, Ruby heads out to pasture

With Turkeyfest 2025 now a part of Cuero’s history, the current Ruby Begonia titleholder has earned her turkey freedom.

That should be a relief to anyone who worried that Ruby’s loss in the Great Gobbler Gallop on Oct. 11 could have destined her to become a centerpiece on someone’s Thanksgiving table. She is pardoned after her disappointing loss at the 53rd Annual Turkeyfest.

“She is just going to be fed and cared for and live out her life,” said Sherry Oakes, a member of the Turkeyfest Race Team, who noted that a new turkey is chosen for the big race every year.