MARYLAND – Whether it be rain or shine, the residents of Wicomico County plan to trek on turkey day, and afterwards, they plan to splurge on some delicious Thanksgiving sides and rank them too!
Turkey Trek
The 2024 16th annual Turkey Trek kicked off early Thanksgiving morning at the Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury. Hundreds of walkers and runners gathered for a 5K on Turkey Day.
Randy McFadden of the Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism says the turnout has been amazing. “A chance for families to come out and commemorate with fellow runners and their families, to kind of burn off some calories before they get into that big holiday meal… Pre- registered we had about 330, and we expect to have between 75 and 100 same day registrations.”
Runners like Al Diemel say this is a great way to create a community bond, amongst other things. “You know I need to make room for Turkey, and it’s fun. It right next to my house, its local trails, I love it. You know, it’s a family event… There’s pie, that’s really the reason I’m running, there’s free pie! That’s why I’m running you know, and to beat my wife. That’s the only 2 reasons I run.”
Paul the ‘Turkey’ and Damian the ‘Hunter’
Paul Hudson and Damian Priznar, dressed as hunter and turkey to add a giggle to their gobble. Paul Hudson was the ‘meat’ of the story. “Hey well you know; they said you could wear a costume. I said, ‘Well okay. I’ll dress like a turkey then!’ I love eating Turkey!” Damian Priznar just wanted to make someone smile. “I knew that it was supposed to rain today, and I thought you know, if somebody saw a grown man dressed like a turkey, and a hunter, maybe it would bring a little sunshine on a rainy day.”
Organizer Randy McFadden says, this fundraiser encourages fitness, fun, and friendships, and they plan to do it all over again next year. “It’s a great community, they do a lot of these local runs, and it’s good for them to come out and run with their “running family”, before they go out and celebrate with their real family.”
Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism say go to their website to sign up for next year, and once you finish, you’ll receive slice of pie as well!
Turkey Day Debate
Speaking of pie, a recently released a survey naming the Top Five Side Dishes for the State, and we wanted to know if that’s the case on the Eastern Shore. Turkey day debates can come in many forms, and this year’s squabble is over sides! The survey showed the side dishes Marylanders prefer, so we asked local Wicomico County turkey lovers what they look forward to complimenting their Turkey the most!
We spoke with Salisbury University student Lindsey Ward, “My favorite is green bean casserole.” Grandmother, Mother, and a little one give their feedback as well. Aurelia Weston, matron of the bunch said this. “I love Macaroni, homemade macaroni and cheese.” Her daughter LaShawn Nastvogel follows, “I’d have to say the greens.” Joe Andrews, a longtime resident, also gave his favorite. “Mashed potatoes with gravy, little bit of ham, and Watergate salad. Pistachio salad, I call it Watergate salad.”
According to the survey, in last place, sweet potato casserole, next up is mashed potatoes. Third is green bean casserole, in second place is mac & cheese and the top place goes to stuffing, which some call dressing.
Bet Maryland Survey
We asked the locals who weren’t shy about re-arranging that order! Joe Andrews start off, “So, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, the green bean casserole, and #5 would be the stuffing. I’m not a fan of stuffing.”
Lindsay Ward starts with her personal favorite, “So, #1 being my favorite is green bean casserole, and then mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, you said sweet potato casserole, and last would definitely be stuffing.”
We also had 3 generations of deliberation who came up with their collective top five.
“Hmm, sweet potato casserole.” – Grandmother, Aurelia Weston
“Would be number one?” – Mother, LaShawn Nastvogel
“Yeah, or the stuffing.”- Aurelia Weston
“Stuffing, number 2? “-LaShawn Nastvogel
“Mashed potatoes would be number 5.”- Son/Grandson, Noah Nastvogel
“You say Mashed potatoes would be number 5? Yeah, mashed potatoes not high on my list.”- Aurelia Weston
Ultimately, LaShawn Nastvogel gives the final run down. “So, #1 is sweet potatoes, #2 is mac & Cheese, #3 is Stuffing, 4 is Mashed potatoes, and #5 is green bean casserole.”
Other side dishes mentioned in the survey, were candied yams, brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. They also explain the difference between Stuffing and Dressing. Stuffing is cooked inside the bird, while dressing is in a separate dish, and more commonly cooked in the south.
Though our residents didn’t agree with the survey or each other, they all agree the food wouldn’t taste the same without family!
Tags: Al Diemel, Aurelia Weston, Damian Priznar, Joe Andrews, LaShawn Nastvogel, Lindsey Ward, parks and tourism, Paul Hudson, Randy McFadden, side dishes, turkey trek, wicomico county recreation