By Betsy Natter
Despite the warmer weather this season, fall celebrations of thanks are just around the corner. As always, there is plenty to do in MontCo, from nature programs, to buying fresh farm raised birds, to running a race to burn off all those extra calories in advance. Check our list of options for the whole family.
Learn About Turkeys
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park – Terrific Turkeys
1615 Black Rock Rd., Royersford, PA 19468
(610) 948-5170
Many wild turkeys live in the park and this program will let you see them up close on Fri. Nov. 17 at 10 am. Learn about the birds’ habitat, diet and the feather display put on by the males. Participants will also make a craft to take home. The program is for children ages 3-7. Come dressed to be outdoors. Pre-registration is required with a Nov. 15th deadline. There is a $4 suggested donation.
Norristown Farm Park – Turkey Tales
2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 270-0215
Time for little ones to learn all about the bird that takes center stage this time of year on Mon. Nov. 20 at 1 pm. Touch turkey feathers, hear their calls and take a short walk to look for turkey food and visit their habitat. Make a special craft to take home too. Designed for children ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required with a $5.00 fee. Meet at the park office.
Order A Farm Fresh Bird
Enjoy a farm fresh bird this year by ordering from one of Montgomery County’s local farms. Orders must be placed in advance and some require a deposit. Check below for a farm near you.
Merrymead Farm
2222 S. Valley Forge Road Lansdale, PA 19446
(610) 584-4410
Merrymead sells turkeys from Weaver’s Turkey Farm in Lancaster. These birds are all natural turkeys- never frozen, with no growth hormones or artificial ingredients. Birds are available from 10 to 32 lbs. in two pound increments. Call the farm to place your order by Wed. Nov. 15th. Merrymead will accept orders for freshly baked pies as well.
Quarry Hill Farms
620 Quarry Rd., Lower Salford Township, PA 19438
(215) 513-1514
Quarry Hill Farms organically raises their own birds to be soy-free and pastured. This year they are offering two breeds of turkeys. The Standard Bronze has a traditional round shape and is a variety that originated by breeding native wild eastern turkeys with domesticated birds brought from Europe by the early settlers. The Bourbon Red is the result of combining three breeds. It is shaped like a wild turkey and is enjoyed for its dark meat. Orders may be placed online at http://quarryhillfarm.net . A deposit is required.
Deep Roots Valley Farm
1047 Irish Creek Rd., Mohrsville, Pa 19541
(610) 926-0517
Deep Roots Valley Farm, just north of Reading, PA, will deliver their pasture raised turkeys to the Phoenixville Farmers Market for pickup on Sat. Nov 18 from 9 am to 1 pm. The farm is raising broad breasted whites this year. The birds are fed locally grown whole grain non gmo seed and are provided with a fresh supply of bugs and greens. They are antibiotic free. Orders must be placed in advance online at http://deeprootsvalley.com.
Turkey Trotting
Towamencin Turkey Trot
Fischer’s Park
2225 Bustard Road, Lansdale, PA 19446
Try winning your Thanksgiving bird this year by participating in this annual pre-holiday run. Held on Sat., Nov. 18th, the 5K run delivers a free turkey prize to the top male and female runners. Medals are awarded to the top three runners in each age category and prizes are given for best costumes. The run begins at 9 am. There is no walk-up registration, so signup online at https://www.active.com. Sign-up closes on Nov. 12th or at 800 runners. A free kid’s fun run for children 10 and under starts at 8 am but no registration is required for them. Strollers and pets are welcome.
Thanksgiving Day Races
Abington YMCA Gobble Wobble 5K
1073 Old York Rd., Abington, PA 19001
Join the Abington YMCA as they celebrate their 15th year of this turkey-day tradition. The 5K course winds through residential areas with rolling hills and finishes Olympic style on Abington’s Memorial Field. A two-mile walk features relatively flat terrain. Everyone is invited to participate. The race begins at 9 am. All proceeds benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance program. Get more information and register by Nov. 19 online at http://philaymca.org.
North Wales Turkey Trot
1005 Horsham Rd, North Wales, PA 19454
The whole family can participate in this run with lots of options: an 8K, 5K, Kids ½ Mile Fun Run and a 2 mile walk. These runs/walk all begin at the corner of the 463 and 202 Parkways and continue down the scenic 202 parkway which will be completely closed to vehicles. The event is chip timed and awards are given in five year age increments. Bib pickup will be held at the Joseph Ambler Inn with the first race taking off at 8 am. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Life is Good Kids Foundation and The Wissahickon Water Shed Association. For a complete schedule of the mornings events and registration instructions visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/NorthWales.
Toss Your Turkey 5K
MCCC, 101 College Dr., Pottstown, PA 19464
Get a full early morning workout with this race by participating in the Saucony Turkey Toss. One male and female participant who tosses a frozen turkey the farthest before the race and completes the course in under 30:00 (male) and 35:00 (female) will win a free pair of Saucony running shoes! This 5K, flat course begins at the River Front Park and ends at the Pottstown Campus of Montgomery County Community College. Also available is a 1 mile Kids’ Fun Run. A portion of the proceeds from the race will benefit a local homeless shelter. Register online by Nov. 19 at https://www.runtheday.com/register or on site at 7:00 am. Race begins at 8:30 am.
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