Who Said Turkeys and Gambling Don’t Mix
Wyoming Firefighters Association Event Offers Good Fun for the Whole Family
By Val Prevish for the City of Wyoming
It’s been described as Mayberry meets Vegas, and those who know say the Wyoming Firefighters Association (WFA) Turkey Raffle is an event not to be missed.
With a tradition that dates back nearly 100 years, and a noble mission of supporting the City’s hard-working volunteer firefighters, the Turkey Raffle is up there with May Fete and the Wyoming Art Show in community pedigree. But ask any random Wyoming resident what goes on at a turkey raffle and they would most likely be stumped for an answer.
Sophia Sidley, president of the WFA and a volunteer with the Wyoming Fire & EMS Department, said she wants to change that.
“I think everyone in Wyoming should come to a turkey raffle at least once,” she said. “It’s the most fun you’re going to have in about one hour’s time.”
Held at the Wyoming Civic Center every November, participants crowd around a u-shaped set of tables where they buy numbers using raffle tickets purchased from the WFA. The number that determines a winner is chosen after a spin of the wheel – think roulette wheel – and the winner gets a fresh Amish turkey from the Wyoming Meat Market (delivered later by fire truck).
Sidley said the atmosphere is high-energy mixed with a lot of lighthearted fun. Ticket holders yell for “runners” from the WFA to get them numbers in time for the next spin of the wheel. Tickets go flying as the “gamblers” discard their losing tickets and frantically yell for more numbers and another chance at a fresh bird. And, of course, there’s refreshments from the Civic Center bar to keep the gambling fever going.
“There’s lots of yelling. It’s totally electric,” said Sidley, who added that about 60 turkeys are raffled each night of the two-night event.
Fire Chief Dennis Brown said ticket holders could go home with one turkey or several. They could also go home empty-handed. “It’s good to have a back-up plan, just in case,” he cautioned. (The department will help with donating extra turkeys to charity if a lucky winner chooses to do so.)
Katie Hamilton, whose son, Steven, served as a cadet before graduating from Wyoming High School in 2011, said she considers the Turkey Raffle a must on her calendar every year.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” she said. “You see young and old alike. There are neighbors there that I can catch up with because I don’t see them much anymore. It’s just a terrific way to support the community.”
Long Tradition of Turkey Raffles
Wyoming is not alone in holding an annual turkey raffle. A quick Google search for turkey raffles reveals numerous fire departments across the country that use this unique event for raising money. Nearby fire departments, such as Lockland, Reading, and Greenhills have their own turkey raffles.
The earliest references to Wyoming’s Turkey Raffle date back to 1932, according to the Wyoming Historical Society. It appears the tradition has continued unbroken from that point to today. How turkey raffles became associated with fire departments is somewhat of a mystery, although there are historical references to turkey raffles dating to the 19th century as an early form of gambling in saloons.
End of Year Celebration, Source of Funds for Coming Year
The Turkey Raffle serves as the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season, and a vital source of funding all year long for Wyoming Fire & EMS. In 2024, the event netted $21,000 for the department, one of the highest totals ever. Throughout its history, it’s generated tens of thousands, enabling equipment purchases and training that would be difficult to otherwise afford for the volunteer department.
Recently, the money has helped purchase thermal imaging cameras, battery-powered positive pressure fans, and scholarships for senior fire cadets. It also supports the department’s community outreach for events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween candy giveaway and summer Safety Camp, plus educational efforts within the local schools through demonstrations and safety events.
In addition, the funding supports the volunteers themselves with meals during long days of training, an annual awards banquet, and, on occasion, assistance with funerals.
“As a volunteer department, fundraising is essential to our mission,” said Brown. “Without the support of the community, our volunteers would not have all the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. The Turkey Raffle is a fun, family-friendly way to support all the work our volunteers do all year.”
Details: The Wyoming Fire Association Turkey Raffle will start at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 at the Wyoming Civic Center. Watch for a flyer in the mail to order your tickets, or buy them at the door each evening. Can’t be there but want to help: donate at turkeyraffle.com.
New this year: The event will include a silent auction with items such as tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo, a signed soccer ball from FC Cincinnati, and passes to Perfect North Slopes. There will also be a chance to win a Thanksgiving centerpiece from Wyoming Florist and special baked goods from the Wyoming Pastry Shop.
