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Village of Orland Park Celebrates Thanksgiving Week
The Village of Orland Park is celebrating Thanksgiving with a week full of turkey-themed activities, including the Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash, Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest and the 37th Annual Turkey Trot.
“Thanksgiving week in Orland Park is all about community, family, and tradition,” said Mayor Jim Dodge. “These events bring out the very best of our village, neighbors cheering each other on, families spending time together and a spirit of gratitude that defines who we are.”
Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash – Saturday, November 22
Children can kick off the holiday celebrations at the Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St.
Children ages 1 through 10 can participate in age-based races, with the Diaper Dash designed for ages 1–2 and the Kids’ Turkey Trot for ages 3–10.
Approximate race times are as follows:
- 8:30 a.m. Age 1
- 8:45 a.m. Age 2
- 9 a.m. Age 3
- 9:15 a.m. Age 4
- 9:30 a.m. Age 5
- 9:50 a.m. Age 6
- 10 a.m. Age 7
- 10:10 a.m. Ages 8 and 9
- 10:20 a.m. Age 10
The Kids’ Turkey Trot registration fee is $10 for Sportsplex members, $15 for Orland Park residents, and $20 for nonresidents. The Diaper Dash fee is $6 for Sportsplex members, $9 for residents, and $14 for nonresidents.
Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest – Sunday, November 23
Families can test their basketball skills during the Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest on Sunday, November 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Orland Park Sportsplex.
Teams of one parent and one child will compete for the chance to win a Thanksgiving turkey. Participants will be grouped by age, and mini basketballs and hoops will be used for younger players. Parents may compete with multiple children.
The entry fee is $5 for Sportsplex members, $7 for residents, and $10 for nonresidents.
37th Annual Turkey Trot – Thursday, November 27
The week’s festivities culminate with the 37th Annual Orland Park Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27, at 8 a.m. The event is officially sold out, with all 1,000 spots filling at a record pace.
The 2.5-mile chip-timed cross-country race takes runners and walkers through scenic paths, paved roads and John Humphrey Woods. Participants will receive a long-sleeved dri-fit race shirt, refreshments and entry into a post-race prize drawing. Prize turkeys will go to the top overall male and female finishers, with special turkey trophies awarded to the top three finishers, male and female, in 14 age divisions U9 to 70+.
Registered participants can pick up their race packets from November 22–26 at The Human Race Sports, 15148 S. La Grange Road. Race day packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. at the race site for those unable to pick-up their packet in advance. Please note that strollers and pets are not permitted on the course.
Although registration is closed, sponsorship opportunities remain available. Local businesses are encouraged to get involved to gain visibility and support one of Orland Park’s most beloved community events.
For sponsorships, volunteer opportunities or event details, visit orlandpark.org, call (708) 403-5000 or email [email protected].
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Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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