The Vinton County Chamber of Commerce is hunting for wild turkeys. Creatively decorated wild turkeys, that is! The Chamber is holding a contest to find the best decorated turkey this spring and thanks to generous sponsorship from the Austin Powder Company, McDonalds of Wellston (soon to be McDonalds of McArthur) and R & C Quick Stop, the Chamber will be giving away $1,200 in prizes for the best entries!
The Chamber is currently selling the ceramic wild turkeys for individuals, businesses and organizations to decorate and return for judging. Turkeys can be embellished with any medium or embellished with any medium. Turkeys must be returned to the Vinton County Community Building on May 2 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. They will be judged during an event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring turkey noodles, turkey sandwiches and other food.
Anyone who wishes can donate their turkey back to the Chamber to be sold in a silent auction that evening. Throughout the evening, participants can bid on their favorite turkeys. The top five money earners will be kept on display for bidding during the turkey festival while the remaining turkeys will be sent home with the winning bidders. The artist of the turkey that earns the most money for the Chamber will receive a prize valued at $150. This award will be announced at the Wild Turkey Festival.
Thanks to the sponsors, $1,200 in prizes will be awarded to those artists who submit the best turkeys. One turkey will be awarded Grand Champion and the winner will receive an award valued at $400. This turkey will become the design for a larger turkey to be placed on the streets of McArthur. Second place will receive an award valued at $250 and third place will receive an award valued at $150. People’s Choice will receive an award valued at $150 and the best turkey entered by a service organization will receive $100. Finally, the Top Money Earner will receive a prize valued at $150.
For information or to purchase your turkey, visit the Chamber Office at 104 W. Main St., McArthur or call 596-5033. You can also email marketingdirector@vintoncounty.com.