Orland's Weeklong Thanksgiving Celebration Features Kids' And Adults' Turkey Trots, Free Throw Contest

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park is celebrating Thanksgiving with a week full of turkey-themed activities, including the Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash, Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest and the 38th Annual Turkey Trot.

"In Orland Park, we love to celebrate family and community," said Mayor Jim Dodge. "Gathering for these annual traditions gives us all the chance to connect with neighbors and remember how fortunate we are to belong to such a supportive community."

Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash – Saturday, Nov. 21

Children can kick off the holiday celebrations at the Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St.Children ages 1 through 10 can participate in age-based races, with the Diaper Dash designed for ages 1–2 and the Kids’ Turkey Trot for ages 3–9.

Approximate race times are as follows:

• 8:30 a.m. Age 1
• 8:45 a.m. Age 2
• 9 a.m. Age 3
• 9:20 a.m. Age 4
• 9:35 a.m. Age 5
• 9:50 a.m. Age 6
• 10 a.m. Age 7
• 10:15 a.m. Ages 8 and 9
• 10:20 a.m. Age 10

The Kids’ Turkey Trot registration fee is $10 for Sportsplex members, $15 for Orland Park residents, and $20 for nonresidents. The Diaper Dash fee is $6 for Sportsplex members, $9 for residents, and $14 for nonresidents.

Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest – Sunday, Nov. 22

Families can test their basketball skills during the Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Orland Park Sportsplex.

Teams of one parent and one child will compete for the chance to win a Thanksgiving turkey. Participants will be grouped by age, and mini basketballs and hoops will be used for younger players. Parents may compete with multiple children.

The entry fee is $5 for Sportsplex members, $7 for residents, and $10 for nonresidents.

38th Annual Turkey Trot – Thursday, Nov. 26

The week’s festivities culminate with the 38th Annual Orland Park Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, at 8 a.m. The event is officially sold out, with all 1,100 spots filling at a record pace.

The 2.5-mile chip-timed cross-country race takes runners and walkers through scenic paths, paved roads and John Humphrey Woods. Participants will receive a long-sleeved dri-fit race shirt, refreshments and entry into a post-race prize drawing. Prize turkeys will go to the top overall male and female finishers, with special turkey trophies awarded to the top three finishers, male and female, in 14 age divisions U9 to 70+.

Registered participants can pick up their race packets from November 20–25 at The Human Race Sports, 15148 S. La Grange Road. Race day packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. at the race site for those unable to pick up their packet in advance. Please note that strollers and pets are not permitted on the course.

To register for the Kids Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash and/or the Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest, visit orlandpark.org/events. For volunteer opportunities or event details, visit orlandpark.org, call (708) 403-5000 or email specialevents@orlandpark.org.