STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Custom bucket hats embroidered by Davis Embroidery say it all.

The hats, which are reversible with royal blue on one side and a cream color on the other, feature a cute little turkey on the top with the words “Turkey Trot 2025” in the center and scattered fall leaves around the brim.

They’re being given out to the first 600 entrants to register for the 22nd annual Turkey Trot, which will be held on Thanksgiving Day.

“They’re sun hats and they’re amazing,” said Kelsey Watson, who works at the Valley Chamber in Hailey. “They’re very cute.”

The hats will be supplemented by reusable grocery bags holding swag. The bags, donated by Atkinsons Markets, feature a truck loaded with produce, a cow, chickens, goat and a border collie against the backdrop of the Wood River Valley foothills.

The Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, Nov. 27. There’ll be two start times with the first wave leaving at 9:30 a.m. from Hailey Town Center West at 116 S. River St. and the second wave leaving at 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $30 for individual, $75 for a family of four and $20 for those 10 and under.

The custom bucket hats are available for the first 600 registrants. Race numbers and swag bags can be picked up at the Chamber Office at 781 S. Main St. in Hailey from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25 and 26.

A thousand adults and youth are expected to take part, said Mike McKenna, executive director of the Valley Chamber.

“We’re super excited. We can’t wait. The numbers are strong and MSCL (Men’s Second Chance Living) provide the best volunteers.”

McKenna sets the 3-mile course, which loops through Draper Preserve and across the iconic Bow Bidge. The course, as always, passes by good-natured neighbors who hand out cider and mimosas.

“It’s such a sweet thing they do,” said Watson. ”I’d be willing to bet some people do the Turkey Trot just for that!”

Watson and her husband Jacob Watson will be tackling the Turkey Trot themselves for the first time this year. Kelsey will jump in the second wave after taking care of the registrations earlier in the morning.

“I’m so excited,” she said.

To register go to https://haileyidaho.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/28861.

Learn more at https://valleychamber.org/ or by calling 208-788-3484.