The annual Fair Grove Turkey Trot will be taking place November 27th, beginning at Fair Grove High School. This event is organized by Kelli Buffington and Kayla Holt and raises money for Care to Learn.
The trot is held on Thanksgiving morning and will start at 8:00 AM. Runners or “trotters” begin in the high school parking lot and are given a number. Then they follow designated routes for either the 5K race or one mile fun run/walk. After finishing, the top three male and female racers are awarded. According to Buffington her favorite part of the trot is seeing all of the families out and having fun on Thanksgiving morning. She added, “There is music playing and a great energy. We usually have some festive dressers in turkey hats and costumes.”
This is the event’s fifth year, after originally being founded in 2021 by Terriann Hart and other women wanting to help out. The event helps to raise money for the Fair Grove Care to Learn chapter which goes directly to students in the district to help in areas of health, hunger, and hygiene. This provides an opportunity for people to proactively help kids in the community while getting the chance to compete.
Buffington stated, “I have always enjoyed running and have participated in numerous runs so I have experience in that aspect and my husband, Mr. Buffington was involved in the past with the Care to Learn chapter so it was my way of helping out.”
Holt got involved in the race in 2022 because she was interested in running it herself. She explained, “I knew all the ladies that were in charge and I love getting to help our community, especially when it directly benefits students that I have in class. I offered my assistance with getting the shirt orders organized…and now I help in any way that is needed.”
There is a ton of planning that goes into this event each year and involves help from many people and groups. According to Holt, planning is the biggest part of the event and takes over a month. Buffington added, “We talk with local businesses to get sponsorship to cover event costs, set up registration, design T-shirts, plan a route, and set up and break down the day of.”
The Turkey Trot gives people the chance to get out and do something active with others in the community. Participants can train and try to win the competition or they can go for the experience of getting out there. Buffington noted, “It’s called a trot for a reason, you do not have to be the fastest or best runner to join in. Run, walk, or trot this is great for any skill level.”
People wishing to participate must register online ahead of time. Registration for the race is $15 or $30 for an included Turkey Trot T-shirt with registration. Registration for kids five and under is free. Participants must register by November 19th if they wish to receive a t-shirt. All proceeds go straight to Care to Learn.
