By Stephen Floyd
After three years on pause, Mount Angel American Legion Post 89 is celebrating the return of its annual Turkey Shoot with both new prizes and a new venue.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, 1 to 6 p.m. at Tiny’s Tavern, 155 N. Main St., Mount Angel. Proceeds support Post 89 and the Legion Hall.
The event will feature three tables of 31 and one table of showdown poker. Hands will be $5 each and players of all skill levels are welcome to compete.
A $1,000 cash prize drawing is being held in the leadup to the Turkey Shoot, with 200 tickets being sold for $20 each at Tiny’s Tavern. A winner will be drawn on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Event co-organizer Martha Kosel, an Army veteran and a Post 89 member, said the Legion is “pretty doggone excited” about the return of the Turkey Shoot.
“The whole Turkey Shoot this year is different,” she said. “…It’s just going to be so cool.”
The Legion had been planning to host its 80th annual Turkey Shoot in 2020, but COVID-19 lockdowns forced the cancellation of the event that year and in 2021. Then in 2022, an outbreak of bird flu caused turkeys to become scarce and expensive and the event was canceled again.
Bird flu was a challenge once more this year, but organizers came up with a creative solution. Players who win a hand of poker or 31 will be offered a $20 Safeway gift card, usable for food or gas. Winners could also choose pepperoni or Oktoberfest sausage from Ebner’s Custom Meats rather than a gift card.
This year also saw the Turkey Shoot move to Tiny’s Tavern from the Legion Hall on E. Charles Street. Kosel said Tiny’s has been a long-time supporter of Post 89, and having it at a new location helps alleviate the burden of setup for the organizers.
The Women’s Auxiliary will be on hand with a bake sale as well as an hourly prize drawing to support their group.
