By LAURA ROBISON
The Progress
The annual Turkey Bowling event was once again a big hit on Wednesday evening, Nov. 16 at the Moapa Recreation Center. About four dozen people signed up to roll the birds down the lanes in order to win a prize.
“This annual tradition in Moapa is popular and fun,” said Parks and Rec Coordinator Elmer Lopez.
There were six different age divisions in the tournament including 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-10 years, 11-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16 and up. Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each division. These prizes consisted of baked goods, and a turkey from Lin’s Marketplace.
The younger age groups bowled kiddie-style with a much smaller cornish game hen. Older teens and adults threw their frozens turkeys down the lanes. Everyone was looking to score the most points.
Each contestant got to “bowl” two frames, with the maximum amount of points to be 40.
Two of the 10 pins in each lane had a turkey on them. Those who were lucky enough to knock those over, would score an extra 5 points each, making a strike worth 20 points.
Lucia Jauregui, 7, of Moapa said, “I love to toss things, so this is fun for me. But it is harder than regular bowling.”
Moapa resident Natalie Staley participated in the turkey event for her first time. She didn’t win anything. But that didn’t really matter to her. “This was fun and hilarious and I think that turkey must have weighed over 20 pounds,” she said.
The winner of the 3-5 age group, Briella Snoreen of Overton snagged herself a pie. She smiled proudly as she stated, “Pumpkin pie is my favorite and I will share it with my family.”
This was her first time entering the event.
Winners in each group included: Divison 3-5 Briella Snoreen, Division 6-8 Kannon Holmstead, Division 9-1 Elena England with a perfect score, Division 11-12 Tyce Smith, Division 13-15 Grant Smith, and the big turkey prize went to Rocio Damian in the 16+ age group.
“Turkey bowing is one of my favorite events of the year because it includes a wide range of ages,” Lopez said. “Everyone can get a good laugh sending that tape wrapped turkey down the lane. The best part for me is seeing the community together taking a break from their routine to mingle with neighbors.”
