Rockne Roll/News-Register##Crews from Davis Shows Carnivals set up the “Ring of Fire” ride in the Oregon Mutual Insurance parking lot along Baker Street in McMinnville on Wednesday in preparation for the weekend’s Turkey-Rama carnival.

Downtown Mac ready for flock of festival-goers

Turkey Rama runs today and Saturday in downtown McMinnville from Baker Street to Galloway and most side streets, with other events staged around town.

Weather forecasts suggest that after a couple weeks of higher-than-average temperatures, those who flock to this year’s event may, relatively speaking, chill: Today’s high is expected to be around 80 degrees, and a comfortable 77 degrees is forecast for tomorrow. That bodes well for Turkey Rama’s signature event, the “World’s Biggest Turkey BBQ,” held at East Wortman Park. Turkey meals will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until sold out.

Prices run $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children. One children’s meal is offered free with every adult meal. 

The carnival, which set up camp earlier this week in the Oregon Mutual Insurance parking lot on Baker and Fourth streets, will run all weekend. Ride coupons can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office on Adams Street, Oregon Stationers on Third Street or Express Employment Professionals on North Baker Street.

Downtown will be full of vendors galore, a food court and beer garden, and live entertainment on multiple stages

Friday’s Biggest Turkey Talent Contest and Street Dance start at 6:15 p.m. on the main event stage at the corner of Third and Davis streets. The popular lip sync contest gives local charities a chance to raise money for their cause. A street dance follows, and live music will be performed all day Saturday.

An open mic stage, a new attraction this year, will be at Third and Galloway Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Performers may reserve a time slot by calling 503-472-3603.

The annual Turkey Trot, an 8k run/5k run benefiting the Willamette Valley Cancer Foundation and McMinnville Chamber of Commerce, starts at 7 a.m. at the tennis courts on Park Drive. 

The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce and the McMinnville Downtown Association organize the event.

For more information, call 503-472-6196, or visit www.mcminnville.org  and www.downtownmcminnville.com.