Dear Editor,

Summer festivals are not over. The free Wild Turkey Festival takes place Saturday, September 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the heart of Allenspark. Allenspark is located between Estes Park and Lyons.

This brand-new community celebration promises music, food, games, and prizes for all ages.

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Allenspark Area Club at the fire station, located just off Highway 7. Maps will be available highlighting the day's events and placement. The breakfast will be followed by a town-wide scavenger hunt where participants can compete for the grand prize: an 8'x8' Tuff Shed. Throughout the day, visitors will enjoy live music by Jon Pickett, Three Moose Morning and Marc Kriewaldt. Local vendors and a farmers' market will have food for sale throughout the day. Turkey legs also are on the day's menu. 

Kids will love the coloring contests, games, and family-friendly activities, while adults and kids can show off in the costume contest, turkey-calling contest, and the turkey strut. With live entertainment, shopping, and prize drawings throughout the day, there’s something for everyone.

"The Wild Turkey Fest is a chance for our small mountain community to come together and celebrate what makes Allenspark so special," said organizer Tony Ploughe. "We welcome everyone — neighbors from near and far, people of all backgrounds — to join us on a day that reflects the warmth and acceptance of mountain living while raising funds to support our local nonprofits.”

Some of the vendors include The Grill Guy, Paris Bakery, Kim's Mountain Jams, Eagle Plume's and Mountain Man Nut & Snack Co. Coffee vendors include Tree Huggers Trading Co. and Highland Coffee Co. 

You will be able to sign up for the contests beginning at noon at the Wild Turkey Fest headquarters in downtown Allenspark. The turkey-calling contest will start at 1 p.m. Get ready to gobble, yelp, cluck and cackle. During the live music intermission, step up to the mic and demonstrate your  vocal turkey talents. 

At 2 p.m. the costume contest will take place. Wear any costume you like, but the winners will likely be dressed as turkeys. This is not a passive event. At 2:15 p.m. the turkey strut will begin. Contestant turkeys will flap, bob and puff for two blocks beginning at the WTF headquarters. Hint – secret judges will be posted along the route, so pace yourself and display all the way. Prizes will be awarded to the top kid (under 14) and the top adult (over 14) in each competition. Those who enter all three competitions will be entered into a special prize drawing.

Adults will be able to purchase Wild Turkey and cocktails at The Old Gallery from noon to 5 p.m. Closing ceremonies and the Tuff Shed drawing takes place between 2:45 and 3 p.m. 

For a full schedule of events and details, visit visitallenspark.com.

Gobble, gobble

Elisabeth Sherwin

Allenspark