30th Turkey Trot deemed successful

Warm colors, a warmer than usual temperature, and the usual warm gathering of family and friends set off Thanksgiving morning to put the 30th anniversary run of the Turkey Trot into the books.

About 50 completed the three-mile circuit of the Ritzville Path.

John Kragt awarded prizes and a good number of party horns were distributed to add extra celebration in marking the 30th year of the run.

The Largest Brood award went to the Peterson/Tracy Family who arrived in the Peterson Cousin Camp bus plus one 12-passenger van.

Family members are Phil and Lisa Peterson, Heidi and Ryan Tracy and their four sons, all of Ritzville; plus Luke and Lisa Peterson and their seven children from Gig Harbor; and Clif and Keri Peterson and their five children from Port Orchard.

Their total number was 24 and the children, 18 in all, range in age from one to 16.

All members arrived wearing orange–almost rivaling the Great Pumpkin.

The overwhelming orange surge of the Peterson/Tracy family gave sway to awarding them the Great Feather award for most colorful.

Trotter from Afar was awarded to the T J Hunt family. TJ, Erin, children Anthony and Haley came from Helena, Montana, making the 303-mile trip to join in family Thanksgiving with TJ’s parents, John and Heidi Hunt.

The Hunt family including daughters Ann Marie Saetre and Heather Whitney, and with their children, numbered 13 members. Heather and Justin Whitney’s youngest daughter Rylee received the High Five award as the youngest participant, at 10 months old.

A new award this year, the Superhero award, was entrusted to Jordyn Saetre to use the hatchet to ward off coyotes from the path, ensuring the safety of all participants. She successfully carried to completion her job.

Greg Reimer of Ritzville received the Silver Feather award. His wife Nadia joined him.

Rounding the circuit with first place, the Road Runner award, was Brinley Moore of Ritzville.