Mon, 12/02/2024 - 3:52pm

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER

Volunteers and runners spread Thanksgiving cheer before the start of the 2024 Boothbay Region Turkey Trot. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Gobblezilla, the Boothbay Region Turkey Trot mascot named by students at Boothbay Region Elementary School. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Turkey trot co-organizer Larry Brown speaks to the crowd. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Joshua McGovern and Josiah McGovern, 5, before the race. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

The starting line. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

From left, Clayton Pottle, Dave Parkhurst and Mike Harrison with their awards. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Lifetime achievement awardees and their families. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Runners and walkers of all ages were at the trot. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

From left, Jay Andrews, Bruce Harris and Mike Doucette receive maps of the new trail. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Volunteers and runners spread Thanksgiving cheer before the start of the 2024 Boothbay Region Turkey Trot. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Gobblezilla, the Boothbay Region Turkey Trot mascot named by students at Boothbay Region Elementary School. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Turkey trot co-organizer Larry Brown speaks to the crowd. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Joshua McGovern and Josiah McGovern, 5, before the race. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

The starting line. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

From left, Clayton Pottle, Dave Parkhurst and Mike Harrison with their awards. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Lifetime achievement awardees and their families. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Runners and walkers of all ages were at the trot. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

From left, Jay Andrews, Bruce Harris and Mike Doucette receive maps of the new trail. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Before dressing their Thanksgiving turkeys, dozens of families bundled themselves up to take part in the 2024 Boothbay Region Turkey Trot at Boothbay Region High School (BRHS). The event drew 140 participants and raised almost $3,200 for the Boothbay region school food closets, according to organizers.

Longtime community supporters Dave Parkhurst, Mike Harrison and Clayton Pottle blew their referee whistles at the starting line to begin the event. Before that, they were recognized with lifetime achievement awards for their positive impact on the community and its youth. Their grandchildren presented the awards as their families gathered to celebrate their contributions.

The trot, a run and walk, took place on a new trail at BRHS, largely organized and paid for through community efforts and funds raised from the Lobster Roll 5K. The ceremony also recognized those who contributed. Organizers presented representatives of Hammond Lumber and the Rotary and Lions clubs with a trail map signed by the Seahawk cross country team.

The event was co-organized by Boothbay Harbor Police Officer Larry Brown and BRHS teacher Nick Scott. BRHS Interact, BRHS Student Health Advisory Board, Abby Jones and Erik Bertelsen assisted.