Paycheck clinches coveted "Turkey Trophy" in nail-biting Cuero race

Stewart Chisham, The Daily Globe, Worthington, Minn.
·2 min read

Oct. 16—CUERO — In a nail-biting finish, Worthington's racing turkey, Paycheck, narrowly defeated Ruby Begonia of Cuero, Texas, by just two seconds during the electrifying second heat of the Great Gobbler Gallop Saturday in Cuero.

The annual competition determines which city earns the right to call itself the "Turkey Capital of the Year."

"It was a tight race down there... but with our good lead going into it, we were able to take home the big trophy," shared Darcy Poppema, handler on the Worthington race team.

The coveted prize they raced for? The "Traveling Turkey Trophy of Tumultuous Triumph."

This isn't just any trophy. As Poppema explains, "It's a traveling trophy, so the winner of the two heats' combined time gets the honor of being turkey capital of the year. They will then get to house the trophy for the year."

Poppema further expressed joy in noting that the trophy "has been in Texas a few years, so it's good to have it back."

Holly Sieve, president of King Turkey Day Inc., also traveled to Cuero for the weekend's TurkeyFest celebration. She said, "We usually get together every summer and put together a delegation. This year, the city representative was the mayor, Rick Von Holt, and his wife."

Sieve added that 28 community members from Worthington made the trip to Cuero.

The race times reveal just how heated the competition was. In Cuero, Paycheck clocked in at 52.37 seconds, while Ruby Begonia trailed at 54.12 seconds. Despite Paycheck's decent lead in Cuero, the end was thrillingly close. Back in September, Paycheck set a time of 69.35 seconds, significantly outpacing Ruby Begonia's 107.07 seconds, in the first heat of the race during Worthington's King Turkey Day.

Beyond the race, the event serves as an opportunity for the two communities to come together and celebrate.

"It was a great trip, it was fun traveling with a great group from Worthington. It was my first time down to Texas, and it's something I suggest everybody do," Poppema said.

The Texas hosts pulled out all of the stops, making for one grand Turkey Day celebration at the fairgrounds in Cuero. The event boasted over 80 vendors, and a parade that showcased around 70 different entries.

"It was a really fun trip, the Texas people were great hosts. We have a lot of fun with lots of different events at our King Turkey Day, and it's exciting to see how Cuero celebrates too," Sieve said.

With memories made and a trophy secured, Worthington's race team is already looking forward to defending its title next September.