Mundelein parks to host annual Turkey Shoot
Get in the Thanksgiving spirit and sharpen your "shooting" skills - for basketball, bean bag toss and hockey - with the Mundelein Park District's Annual Turkey Shoot.
The park district's marketing specialist, Mary Priller, tells us what you need to know.
Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?
A. Thanksgiving makes you think of family, friends, good times and "bringing home the turkey." So, the Mundelein Park District has taken all of those great things and packaged them in one free afternoon with the Turkey Shoot, kicking off the upcoming holiday. It pairs adults and kids as a team, older/younger siblings, dad/daughter, mom/son and more, to take "aim at fun" with all types of friendly "shooting" contests, including slap shot hockey, basketball free throws and beanbag toss.
Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. The Turkey Shoot has been a popular event at the park district for nearly a decade. This is the second year we're offering three core activities; before that, it was just basketball. The format is very popular and there's a nice variety. It's indoors at the Mundelein Community Center, so there's no need to worry about the weather, and there's plenty of room for everyone to run around and burn off some energy. It's also a great place to meet up and see your neighbors and friends before heading out to do all those holiday errands.
Q. What's the highlight of the event?
A. There are turkey themes throughout. The littlest "gobblers" get to participate without frustration, with special scaled-down equipment and starting lines. They really feel like part of the games and get very excited when they get a goal or basket. They are so proud to show their "teammate" what they've done. There are prizes awarded in each sport/category, for each age group. And, the gift card prizes can be used toward a holiday turkey or whatever you'd like.
Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. It's an event that kids and parents/adults can do together. Each activity is very popular. Some try the hockey first, then jump to the beanbags, then on to basketball. Most find a favorite and encourage one other to try it again and again. Maybe they improve their score or try it from a different angle. Prizes are awarded in age categories, so although there's only a certain number of winners, you can play over and over again just for the fun.
Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. Parents and adults love the activities because they are simple, fun and make you happy. There's really so many smiles that go around. It's great because you can "share" as part of a team and work together. It's a great feeling and truly part of the whole Thanksgiving experience. It's also indoors, in the gym, where it's convenient and easy to keep an eye on your little ones while enjoying the activity yourself.
Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.
A. Mundelein Park District recreation and programming staff help bring this popular event together. Parents help by sharing in the fun alongside and encouraging their children and young ones. Volunteers help keep score and award prizes. Volunteers are needed for this year's event as well as other park district activities. Everyone is welcome to get involved and no experience is necessary. Those interested in volunteering can contact Nora T'Niemi at (847) 566-0650, ext. 28.
Q. Is there anything else we should know?
A. Bring the family, meet up with your friends and neighbors and have a "gobbling" good time!
If you go
What: Mundelein Park District's Turkey Shoot
When: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road (between Route 176 and Winchester Road), Mundelein
Cost: Free
More info: Registration is encouraged and can be done by calling (847) 566-0650. You can also learn more online at mundeleinparks.org.