Turkey Tom’Foot’ery: Turkey Trot Returns

By Rochelle McCracken

Bowlby’s annual Turkey Trot is fast approaching. The 3rd Annual Wobble Gobble 1K and Turkey Trot Run/Walk 5K to benefit the Eva K. Bowlby Library will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019. This event was created by Kelly Hardie, past board member for the library, to bring the community together for a day of fun and raise money for Waynesburg’s Bowlby Library. 

Bowlby Library is housed in a beautiful mansion, bequeathed to the community by Mrs. Eva K. Bowlby for use as the Children’s Library. In 1967 the library expanded its services to include an adult collection and the name was changed to the Eva K. Bowlby Public Library. The library is a focal point for the community and offers a wide variety of services. 

The idea for the Turkey Trot first came about through children’s books written by Steve Metzger about turkeys. Steve is a children’s book author from New York with over 70 books written for children. His books on turkeys such as The Great Turkey Race, The Silly Turkey Party, and The Turkey Train became the inspiration behind the event. The books are filled with joyous rhymes and humorous illustrations on the many turkey adventures. 

This year’s event will be filled with activities for all. The Wobble Gobble 1K is open to children 12 and under. All registered children will receive a copy of a Thanksgiving themed book and a shirt. There are additional children’s activities that are free and include arts and crafts, a book reading, Dress the Turkey Like Farmer Joe, a Turkey Hunt, Turkey Bowling, Pumpkin Tick Tack Toe, and Stuffing Toss. They have a phantom runner series called the “Pardon Turkey” and a Stuffed Turkey plush activity for those that cannot participate in the walk/run but would love to donate to the library. Non-participants are encouraged to check out the Chinese and Silent Auction items that will be on display in the library. The adult 5 K will award the top 3 walker/runners in each category. There are 7 categories, 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. The cost for the children’s 1K is $15.00 and for the adult walk/run is $25.00. Everyone is encouraged to fill out a registration form and submit it by 10/31/19 to guarantee a t-shirt. Registration begins at 8:15am that day. The award ceremony will be held at 10:30 am near the gazebo. Come join the rest of the turkeys and support the wonderful services our local library provides!

About Danielle Nyland

Current Position: Editor and Social Media Manager of GreeneScene Community Magazine. Danielle Nyland is a local photographer, artist, and writer. She is a Greene County native and currently lives in Nemacolin with her husband, Daytona, two sons, Remington and Kylo, and an English bull terrier, Sparky. Danielle has a background in graphic design, web publishing, social media, management, and photography. She graduated American Public University with an associate degree in web publishing and Bellevue University with a bachelor degree in graphic design. She has also attended the New York Institute of Photography. Before joining the team, she worked in retail and as an instructor at Laurel Business Institute. Outside of her work with the GreeneScene, she enjoys painting and drawing, photography, and loves reading books and watching movies – especially the scary ones! Danielle has been photographing and writing about local history and events since 2010 as part of the SWPA Rural Exploration team. She’s active in local community events and committees. She’s a board member with Flenniken Public Library and is on the committees for the Sheep & Fiber Festival, 50’s Fest & Car Cruise, and Light Up Night.