Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie; it’s full of quirky traditions, creative competitions, and a few centuries-old customs that make the holiday uniquely American. Here’s a look at how some of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions began (and what they look like today).
Turkey Bowling (Wisconsin)
Turkey Bowling is exactly what it sounds like, using a frozen, wrapped turkey as a bowling ball! The sport reportedly began in 1988 when a California grocery clerk decided to make slow workdays more entertaining. He set up soda bottles as pins, grabbed a frozen bird, and a new Thanksgiving pastime was born. Today, turkey bowling events pop up across the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, complete with “fowl lines,” cheering crowds, and plenty of holiday laughter.
Turkey Toss (Indiana)
The Turkey Toss is a festive competition where participants throw a frozen (or sometimes rubber) turkey for distance. It’s often part of local community festivals or holiday fundraisers across Indiana. While the exact origins are unclear, it likely grew out of old harvest-time “flinging” contests that celebrated the end of the farming season. It’s now a lighthearted way to show some strength and hometown pride.
Macy’s Parade Balloon Inflation (New York City)
The night before Thanksgiving, thousands gather near the Museum of Natural History to watch the parade’s giant balloons come to life. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and originally featured live zoo animals. By 1927, the first character balloon, Felix the Cat, made his debut, launching one of the most beloved traditions in American pop culture. Watching the inflation has since become a New York City spectacle of its own.
Turkey Trot (Nationwide)
Each Thanksgiving morning, runners across the country lace up their sneakers for a Turkey Trot, America’s most popular holiday race. The first official Turkey Trot took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 with just six participants. Now, thousands of races are held nationwide, with everyone from competitive runners to families in turkey hats joining in. It’s the perfect way to start the day and make room for that second slice of pie.
Breaking the Wishbone
After the feast, two people each grab one end of the turkey’s wishbone, make a silent wish, and pull until it snaps. Whoever gets the larger piece is said to have good luck. This custom dates back to ancient Italy, where the Etruscans believed chicken bones had magical powers. The Romans carried the tradition to England, and the Pilgrims brought it to America. Today, it’s a small but fun moment of friendly competition at Thanksgiving tables everywhere.
From food fights to footraces, Thanksgiving traditions remind us that celebration can come in all shapes (and sometimes, frozen birds). Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, laughter-filled holiday!
