Over five tons of turkey is grilled outdoors over coals for McMinnville, Oregon’s annual Turkey Rama, held this year for the 55th time. The turkey is fantastic, smoky and seasoned to the bone, with luscious strips of skin. Choose white or dark. This is a huge festival that extends far beyond the consumption of the bird that was once, but is no longer, a major part of the local economy.

Turkey Dinner, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

Wortman Park is the scene for the turkey dinners. Pass through the serving line…

Serving Line, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

…and take your meal to a picnic table, where you feast to the sounds of a local band.

Picnic Tables, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

After lunch, head downtown to enjoy the rest of the festival, where there are more bands…

Band, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

… a parade…

Parade, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

Parade, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

… food courts, shopping, a carnival, a cruise-in, a crafts fair, the Turkey Trot, a dance, and a beer tent…

Sue, Turkey Rama, McMinnville, OR

 

… where Sue got into the spirit of things with her own festival turkey hat!

A splendid time! For details, see the festival website.