2008 Woodie Awards
Sophomore Recounts New Experiences
Ethan Moore
Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
One of the best perks of going away to college is experiencing new things. For the first time in my life, I had a roommate, was away from my best friends, and in a completely unfamiliar environment. Although this was slightly terrifying, it was also exciting and thrilling. At Hendrix, I have met many people and taken part in events that I would have never imagined. One such occasion that I would have missed had I not gone to Hendrix is Turkey Trot in Yellville, Arkansas.
Yellville, the homestead of Miss Rainey Gibson, is a small town about two hours north of Conway. Although Rain had mentioned the happenings at Turkey Trot, none of us were fully prepared for this event.
During the second weekend of October, Turkey Trot begins on Friday afternoon with a lip-sync competition and is followed Saturday morning by a parade. During the parade, floats roll past, displaying celebrities such as the Mississippi All-Star Turkey Caller, Football Homecoming Court, and my favorite, a turkey constructed from a hay bale.
While chilling in downtown Yellville, the long awaited, most anticipated event of Turkey Trot began. Startled by the sound of an airplane, we all glanced up just in time to see a turkey thrown out of an airplane. Yes, that's right, at Turkey Trot live turkeys are chucked from cloud hoppers flying about 3000 feet from the ground. After being pushed from the planes, the turkeys flap and flounder back to earth before being chased down by local children.
The first time this happened, the whole group stood motionless as we gazed, stunned and amazed, at the fully-grown turkey gliding down. Nothing could have prepared us for this remarkable sight, or even the same sight that followed every thirty minutes.
Although we were positive that we would catch our own turkey, our chances were looking rather slim after a few hours. After a while of wandering, eating, and listening to the 14-year-old Elvis impersonator, we decided to head back to the Gibson farm. But right before we left, one of the last turkeys was dropped, seemingly only a few blocks from where we were. Robert Hill and Chris Zachau, followed by Patrick Huddleston, Greg Cooper, Casey Coman, Kelsey Steele and I sprinted down the block toward the fated animal. At first we could not find him, but then suddenly noticed him near some trees. Everyone ran straight to the turkey, cornering him and jumping toward him, anything in an attempt to catch the creature.
After what seemed like a lifetime, Chris and Robert emerged from the thicket victorious, carrying the jerking turkey. We had caught our own personal turkey! As we walked back into town, everyone stared at us in awe. Since we were able to catch one, everyone assumed that we were experts on turkeys and would ask us outrageous questions. We all made up fake answers, beaming because we were so proud of our achievement. This feat has definitely been one of my most proud moments in college, a moment that made it worthwhile to leave home for a new experience.
Next October, when you are looking for an interesting cultural experience, I highly suggest taking a trip to Marion County and seek out Yellville, the home of thrown turkeys.
Yellville, the homestead of Miss Rainey Gibson, is a small town about two hours north of Conway. Although Rain had mentioned the happenings at Turkey Trot, none of us were fully prepared for this event.
During the second weekend of October, Turkey Trot begins on Friday afternoon with a lip-sync competition and is followed Saturday morning by a parade. During the parade, floats roll past, displaying celebrities such as the Mississippi All-Star Turkey Caller, Football Homecoming Court, and my favorite, a turkey constructed from a hay bale.
While chilling in downtown Yellville, the long awaited, most anticipated event of Turkey Trot began. Startled by the sound of an airplane, we all glanced up just in time to see a turkey thrown out of an airplane. Yes, that's right, at Turkey Trot live turkeys are chucked from cloud hoppers flying about 3000 feet from the ground. After being pushed from the planes, the turkeys flap and flounder back to earth before being chased down by local children.
The first time this happened, the whole group stood motionless as we gazed, stunned and amazed, at the fully-grown turkey gliding down. Nothing could have prepared us for this remarkable sight, or even the same sight that followed every thirty minutes.
Although we were positive that we would catch our own turkey, our chances were looking rather slim after a few hours. After a while of wandering, eating, and listening to the 14-year-old Elvis impersonator, we decided to head back to the Gibson farm. But right before we left, one of the last turkeys was dropped, seemingly only a few blocks from where we were. Robert Hill and Chris Zachau, followed by Patrick Huddleston, Greg Cooper, Casey Coman, Kelsey Steele and I sprinted down the block toward the fated animal. At first we could not find him, but then suddenly noticed him near some trees. Everyone ran straight to the turkey, cornering him and jumping toward him, anything in an attempt to catch the creature.
After what seemed like a lifetime, Chris and Robert emerged from the thicket victorious, carrying the jerking turkey. We had caught our own personal turkey! As we walked back into town, everyone stared at us in awe. Since we were able to catch one, everyone assumed that we were experts on turkeys and would ask us outrageous questions. We all made up fake answers, beaming because we were so proud of our achievement. This feat has definitely been one of my most proud moments in college, a moment that made it worthwhile to leave home for a new experience.
Next October, when you are looking for an interesting cultural experience, I highly suggest taking a trip to Marion County and seek out Yellville, the home of thrown turkeys.
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