ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
With the Thanksgiving holiday falling on the fourth Thursday in November, the date for that holiday can range from Nov. 22 through Nov. 28.
This year’s Thanksgiving will fall on the last of those days, and no matter where it falls, a local tradition typically takes place the Saturday prior to that date. That tradition returns this year, as Seward County United Way presents its annual Turkey Trot.
Registration for the event starts at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 23 at Hay Rice & Associates in Liberal. Turkey Trot participants can choose from a 5K and a one-mile course or even both. Registration for the 5K is $20, and registration for the one-mile is $10. Kids age 5 and younger can register for free.
The Thanksgiving holiday traditionally sees people stuffing their faces with much in the way of food, with many of those people taking a walk afterwards. While she is not necessarily looking to set a new trend of exercising before eating, SCUW Director Diana Esparza did say the Turkey Trot helps her get prepared for the big day.
“One thing I always say is you run the race before you stuff your face,” she said. “If they’re anything like me, if I do some sort of cardio, some sort of workout, I will feel less guilty eating everything.”
Esparza said likewise, the Turkey Trot is a fun time for family coming to town.
“The family comes into town for Thanksgiving,” she said. “You want to get them together. We have had children participate, adults, seniors. Honestly, everybody participates. I think it’s a fun time before you eat all that yummy stuff on Thanksgiving.”
Those who take part will even get some light treats following the race.
“We usually give out mini-pies and hot chocolate after because it can be chilly, especially in the morning,” Esparza said. “You want to make sure you have something to warm you up after, and yeah, it’s like a little treat to say you did it.”
With family spending much time together during the holiday season, Esparza said the Turkey Trot gives them even more time to do so.
“You get all your family together and do a fun event,” she said. “Your families in town, and it’s usually just Thanksgiving. You cook together and play some games together on Thanksgiving Day. Why not have another day to do something? Don’t just leave it to that one day. If they’re already in town, gather everybody together. You don’t have to run. You can walk the 5K if you want. The point is to get the family together, participate and do something together.”
United Way recently wrapped up its annual Trick or Treat event at Liberal’s Crosspoint Church, and along with the Turkey Trot, Esparza said she plans to have another holiday event likely coming up in December.
The day after Thanksgiving officially begins the Christmas shopping season, and traditionally, that day is also the beginning of the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle campaign. Esparza said bells will once again be ringing in Liberal, although this year’s donation locations will be slightly different than in the past.
“I know we probably won’t be doing it outside Walmart because Walmart has this new system in place,” she said. “You have to get approved by corporate to be outside now. Most likely, we’ll be outside Dillons. We’ve talked to Westlake Hardware about possibly being out there as well. We might contact other people to see where else we can be at.”
The money raised from the kettle campaign goes to help with utility assistance, and Esparza said this is in addition to the money they receive from SCUW.
“Give your extra change, or if you want to give a bigger donation, do so,” she said. “It all comes back to our county. It’s really important.”
Esparza said the kettle campaign is in constant need of volunteers for bell ringers.
“Our agencies do great on volunteering,” she said. “We’re always welcoming high schoolers or any community member who wants to do a good deed during that season. We’re welcome to anybody.”
Those wanting to volunteer can call 620-624-5400, e-mail
“I will reply back to you,” Esparza said. “You’ll hear from me.”
With no local Salvation Army in Seward County, Esparza said SCUW is the local contact for that agency.
“Since Salvation Army is in Kansas City, it’s not easy for anybody to get hold of them there,” she said. “We are their contact for our county here since we fund them.”
Esparza is always excited for the Turkey Trot, the Salvation Army campaign and everything else that comes with the holiday season.
“I know it can be really stressful, and I stress too,” she said. “We have to look for the fun in it as well, all the different colors and decorations, food. The holidays – October, November, December – are the best times of the year. Literally like it says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, not just December, but all these holidays where all families come together.”
