The 80th annual Yellville Turkey Trot kicks off today in Marion County, celebrating decades of community tradition with a series of events and activities. Megan Lynch, president of the Mid-Marion County Rotary Club, said this year’s theme, “Rooted in Tradition,” highlights the festival’s long-standing place in the region’s history.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for noon today, following a breakfast at the American Legion Hut-Post 61. Eventgoers can look forward to performances by the Yellville-Summit High School band and the Flippin High School band. The Table Worship Band will play from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., leading into a lip-sync contest organized by the Yellville-Summit Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Later in the evening, a cornhole tournament hosted by GTS Physical Therapy begins at 6:30 p.m., with registration at 5:30 p.m. Musical entertainment continues with performances by the Jerry Hopper Band from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by the Ozark Thunder Band during the street dance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The festivities resume Saturday morning at the American Legion Hut with breakfast from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., ahead of the 80th Annual Turkey Trot Parade at 10 a.m., sponsored by the Mid-Marion County Rotary Club. At 11 a.m., scholarship recipients and pageant winners will be announced, and the Whistlin’ Dixie Band will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Turning Pointe School of Dance offers a street performance from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., followed by Resurrection on stage from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Door prize winners will be announced between 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The Pat Setser Band takes the stage from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the Buckshot Band closing out the evening during a street dance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Festival attendees can visit the Turkey Trot's official Facebook page or website, YellvilleTurkeyTrot.com, for event details and schedule updates.