Sink Free Throws, Win A Turkey At Northbrook's Annual Turkey Shoot

NORTHBROOK, IL — A few well-placed free throws could help put Thanksgiving dinner on the table when Northbrook Park District’s Turkey Shoot returns Nov. 20.

The sixth annual basketball contest runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive, and is open to children and adults ages 6 and older.

Each participant shoots 15 free throws. First-place finishers in each age division receive a turkey, while second-place finishers take home a pie. Basketball skill activities will also be part of the event.

Registration costs $9 for residents and $14 for nonresidents. Arrival times for individual age groups will be provided closer to the event.

For Leo Markman, 9, the contest offers a chance to win his age division for a third consecutive year. After each of his previous two victories, he donated his turkey to the Northbrook Fire Department, according to the district.

"We get there and we practice, and the drills are fun," Leo told the district. "More people should do it!"

Another returning participant, Rehan Jani, 11, won an apple pie two years ago and a turkey last year.

"That was pretty funny, because I'm a vegetarian!" Rehan told the district.

He participates with his father and older sister, enjoying both the competition and the other basketball activities.

His mother, Nimisha Jani, said the event has become a tradition shared with friends and their families.

"I am the one who's videotaping and trying to get the victory record," she said. "It's a really nice, friendly community event that we look forward to together."

Adults can compete, too. Matt Patek participated with his two children last year and won a pie after placing second in the division for ages 18 and older.

"Both my kids and I love basketball and competitive activities, so it’s something fun to do!" Patek told the district.

More information and registration are available on the Turkey Shoot event page.