Participants confidently step up to the line with a 10 to 12 pounder, fling frozen turkeys down the plastic-lined lane as hard as they can, and hope to knock down multiple pins with the frozen birds. But the turkey does not always make it down the center of the lane. The frost buildup on its outside acts as a lubricant against the plastic lanes, which often sends the carcass flying off in another direction at any given moment -- much to the disappointment of the competitor and the joy of everyone else.
But the level of intrigue, excitement and fun that circulates among the youth makes Turkey Bowling a must-have in any youth group repertoire. To add to the silliness, the game activities are overseen and directed by a Master of Ceremonies (MC) dressed in a giant chicken suit. He announces the various winners throughout the turkey tournament, instructs the waiting competitors how to do the Chicken Dance, and wanders from lane to lane to both encourage and make fun of the bowlers while playing his crazy chicken antics.
A snack bar is a necessity for a Turkey Bowling event because the youth need to refuel to keep pace with the action. Foods like chips and dips, veggie and fruit platters, cookies and candies, and an assortment of sodas and sports drinks are excellent and simple choices.
Organizing a Turkey Bowling Tournament is easy, although it does take some time and a little money. The event should be held in a large room, or two adjacent rooms, to allow for the bowling lanes, snack bar and mingling space. Decorations can be any number of combinations, from balloons and streamers to pumpkins and corn stalks, depending on the theme or season.
Used bowling pins can usually be purchased from bowling lanes, around $10-$20 per set of 10. While the pins will cost initially, they can be stored at church and re-used at future Turkey Bowling events. The rolls of plastic for the bowling lanes can be purchased at a party supply store for little cost, and are found in almost any color. Depending on the funds available, a disc jockey service can be hired to play boisterous selections of music such as disco, Weird Al Yankovic parody songs, polka, square dance, blue grass, and other silly party music.
As for the frozen turkeys, most local grocery stores are happy to donate turkeys for such a worthy cause. A youth group of about 100 only needs six or seven turkeys, one for each bowling lane. Each turkey should last through an entire tournament, although it is not always guaranteed. Depending on the force of the flinging, the outer packaging often gets damaged, and the bird usually gets fairly beat up.
Finally, those hosting a Turkey Bowling party should charge an entry fee, unless the church already has an established youth fund. This will help cover the cost of food, decorations, disc jockey, and miscellaneous supplies.
While Turkey Bowling is typically played around Thanksgiving time, it can still make a memorable youth night any time of the year.
