Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the Wild Turkey over the Bald Eagle as our national symbol. Instead, the turkey symbolizes our Thanksgiving Day feast, parades, and turkey trots!
Here’s what the National Audubon Society says about turkeys:
Although the barnyard variety is a rather stupid creature (leading to the insulting tone of the term ‘turkey’), the original wild form is a wary and magnificent bird. Wild Turkeys usually get around by walking or running, but they can fly strongly, and they typically roost overnight in tall trees. Read more.
Find a North Dallas Area Turkey Trot
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot—5K, 8-mile race, or fun run. A 55-year Thanksgiving tradition for families, friends, and athletes of all levels. Live music, food, and fun activities for the whole family. Dress up in your favorite Thanksgiving-themed costume. The first 750 dogs to cross the 5k finish line will win a medal! All proceeds go directly to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Learn more about the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot.
Plano Turkey Trot—5K Run/Walk, Kids Events, Virtual Run at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve – Run for a Cause: The Source of Hope provides health and wellness education to all needy individuals—more details about this Plano, TX event.
“Run First. Eat Later!” Downtown Frisco, TX – Scheels North Texas Turkey Trot – 5K, 10K, or the Miracle Mile before sitting down for turkey time and holiday festivities. All proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Frisco.
Run Celina – Celina Turkey Trot in Downtown Celina, Texas—a 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk and community celebration, music, running, and awards for the whole family. Dress up in your favorite Thanksgiving-themed costume. A portion of our proceeds will benefit Lovepacs, which feeds needy children.
Sachse Turkey Trot – 1-mile Fun Run and 5K Walk/Run on Thanksgiving morning in Sachse, Texas; Proceeds support Sachse High School Class of 2025. 21st Annual Sachse High School Turkey Trot
“Run Turkey Run”—Castle Hills Turkey Trot in Lewisville, TX—The 12th annual Castle Hills Turkey Trot, a neighborhood 5K Run/Walk, raises funds to care for those in need locally and worldwide.
Turkey Trots, not your thing?
There’s no shortage of Thanksgiving Day traditions; food is the main event. Others include:
- The 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024, a NYC tradition, will be shown live on NBC starting at 9:30 a.m. Texas Time. Grab your guide here and join the fun.
- Don’t forget the pooch—the National Dog Show is broadcast on NBC on Thanksgiving Day, immediately following the Macy’s Parade.
- And for all those football fans, the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving Day Game Schedule:
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions — 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys — 4:30 p.m ET on FOX
Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers — 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC - Volunteer to help those in need:
- Meals on Wheels of Collin County has many volunteer opportunities.
- McKinney Food Pantry provides food and necessities to families in crisis or dealing with food insecurity.
- North Texas Food Bank: Give your time to help out or host a food drive and drop-off in Plano.
- More Suggestions on Ways-to-Give-Back-DFW from our friends at Independence Title.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re lacing up for a race, watching the parade, or sharing a meal, Thanksgiving brings everyone together in the spirit of gratitude and tradition.
Happy Thanksgiving!