Turkey display turns heads

If you’ve noticed an increase of turkeys, particularly decked out in flamboyant colors and styles, around town, you’re not seeing things.

The Lebanon Arts Commission came up with an idea they believe will help infuse fun and art into the city:  The Great Quirky Turkey Pageant.

The turkeys, which are on display along Main Street in downtown Lebanon for the month of August, were decorated by local businesses and artists who put their own quirky spin on the forms.

The Arts Commission found sponsors to purchase the 28 turkey forms from local business Dave Smith Decoys, and the community is invited to vote on their favorite quirky turkey.

Some turkeys are designed in traditional fashion, while others are decked out with flowers, license plates, feathers and painted designs. Only one has an electronic function – push a button and music plays,  synchronized with lights on the back feather tails.

Votes can be cast from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the Linn County Arts Guild Store, 605 Main St.

The commission will hold the Great Quirky Turkey Pageant Award Ceremony at noon Friday, Aug. 31, at Strawberry Plaza, next to Hollywood Studios.

Best in Pageant will be awarded from the tallied ballots from the community, along with the Arts Commission’s awards: Most Creative, Most Interesting Medium, Most Realistic and Quirkiest.

Anyone who may be inclined to own one of the turkeys has that opportunity: A silent auction for the unusual  birds will be held during the Lebanon Brewfest on Sept. 29.

– Sarah Brown