Second Saturday in OctoberWhile people in most parts of the United States think about turkeys only as Thanksgiving day approaches, it is a year-round concern for the turkey farmers of Eldon, Missouri, and the surrounding area, where over two million turkeys are raised annually. There is also a large wild turkey population, which makes turkey hunting a popular local sport.
Since 1986, Eldon has held the Turkey Festival designed to educate the public about domestic turkey production, turkey-farming operations, and the health benefits of turkey-food products. The festival is also an opportunity for numerous conservation and turkey-hunting organizations to provide information on safe hunting practices, wild turkey-calling techniques, and efforts to increase the wild turkey population.
Events at the October festival include turkey races (with the turkeys on leashes), a turkey egg toss, sales of turkey foods, and exhibits on the production of domestic turkeys.
CONTACTS:
Eldon Chamber of Commerce
203 E. First St.
Eldon, MO 65026
573-392-3752; fax: 573-392-0634
www.eldonchamber.com