With Thanksgiving right around the corner, people are daydreaming about all the amazing food they’re going to eat: mashed potatoes, stuffing, pie and, of course, turkey! Not only are they excited about the food, but they also can’t wait to get back to their Thanksgiving traditions.

Zach Fisher (9) runs the Turkey Trot 5K in Cedar Rapids every year with his mom and stepdad. He has participated in the 5K since he was little and doesn’t remember a time he lost to his family.

“The fastest time I had was last year, and I ran a 21:37,” Fisher said.

Kellie Monaghan (12) rotates between different relatives houses each year. With 45 to 55 people attending their Thanksgiving, holding it in a big area is necessary.

“We normally have it in someone’s garage or shop. That way there is enough room for everyone,” Monaghan said.

While younger cousins play outside, the older ones enjoy talking and playing games or even joining the other cousins for a game of football.

“There are so many of my cousins, aunt, and uncles I get to catch up with,” Monaghan said. “It’s always a little chaotic but a whole lot of fun!”

Josh Hilby’s (11) family enjoys playing air hockey, cards, bags, video games and football. After they eat, they arrange a bracket and have clay pigeon shoot-off as a friendly competition.   

“When we had Thanksgiving a few years ago at my aunt’s in Dundee, we pulled (the clay thrower) and the pigeon went toward the house,” Hilby said. “My cousin shot (the gun) and shot the side of the house with a 12 gauge birdshot.”

Luckily, Hilby’s aunt was not mad even though the side of her house had numerous BB holes in it.