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⚠️ Please Note: This article was published in 2024. Visit our Events Calendar to view current upcoming events.
Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
The Northbrook Park District’s third annual Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest will be back later this month at Techny Prairie Activity Center.
Last year, at least one family in need benefited from the event, thanks to one of its young winners.
Ally Elbaum, now 9, took home a turkey as the winning prize for making 11 out of 15 free throws, which placed at the top of her age division in the annual basketball competition.
After taking the frozen bird home, Ally chose to donate the turkey and help a family who was struggling to afford their own, said her father, Dave Elbaum. Ally plays basketball at the Northbrook Park District.
“It was a really nice experience for my daughter. I was proud to attend,” Elbaum said, adding that if Ally wins again, she will again donate her turkey.
The event on November 22 is open to anyone ages 6 and up. The age divisions are: 6 to 7, 8 to 9, 10 to 11, 12 to 13, 14 to 15, 16 to 18, and 18 and up.
Each participant shoots 15 free throws. The winner in each age division will receive a turkey, and the runner-up in each age division will receive a pie. Additional activities will be part of the event.
“The Turkey Shoot Free-Throw contest is an opportunity for people of all ages to test their basketball shooting skills against competitors of similar age,” Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor Dan Catron said. “Each year we have different and surprising winners in every age division.”
The Thanksgiving Shoot Free-Throw Competition takes place 6-9pm on Friday, November 22 at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive in Northbrook.
The precise arrival time for each age group will be provided to registrants closer to the event.
Registration is $5 for residents and $9 for nonresidents.
TPAC features a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium that is lined for one high school basketball court or two smaller courts, two full-size volleyball courts and four pickleball courts. To register or for more information, visit nbparks.org/events/turkeyshoot or call (847) 291-2993.