Lake Bluff Turkey Bowl Marks 25 Years

The Lake Bluff Turkey Bowl, an informal football game between friends in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, celebrated its 25th year on Thanksgiving Day this year.

What started in 1990 as a small game in Artesian Park in Lake Bluff moved to the field in front of Lake Forest High School a few years back. That’s where the tradition continued on Thursday, with some members of the “next generation” taking part.

“We have never missed a Thanksgiving game in 25 years,” said Thomas Bro, who started the tradition a quarter-century ago. “Rain, snow, frozen field, wind, etc. Game on.”

Over the years, more than 100 people have taken part in the tradition, with a number of guys having played in nearly 20 games themselves.

“A few pulled hamstring-broken collar bones and a few sprains, but nothing serious,” said Bro, who noted the next generation is committed to continuing the tradition and that his son, former Lake Forest High School quarterback and current University of Illinois walk-on, William Bro will likely take over organizing the game.