WKRP newscaster Les Nessman describes a turkey drop during a 1978 episode of the television series.
One of television’s most notable shows ever was “Turkeys Away,” a 1978 Thanksgiving episode of “WKRP in Cincinnati.”
Monday’s 97.9 WHAV Open Mike Show features Haverhill Kiwanis’s Rich Porcelli, discussing the club’s plans to have a Turkey Drop of its own to benefit charity. Unlike the fictitious WKRP episode, Kiwanians will drop 100 rubber turkeys. If the turkey lands on a square matching a ticket holder’s number, a prize will be awarded. During the WKRP television show, newscaster Les Nessman described the turkey drop.
“Oh my god, they’re turkeys. Johnny, can you get this? They’re crashing to the Earth right in front of our eyes. One just went through the windshield of a parked car. This is trouble. Everyone is running around pushing each other. Oh my goodness. Oh, the humanity.”
During the Kiwanis event a tarp will be spread out with 400 two square foot numbered squares, and then a helicopter will drop 100 rubber turkeys onto the tarp. It takes place Saturday, Nov. 12, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Murphy’s Garrison Golf, 654 Hilldale Ave. Tickets are $10 each and available from any Kiwanis member and at various locations around the city.
Prizes will range from frozen turkeys and pies from Mann’s Orchard to cash.
Also, during Monday’s Open Mike Show, Rachel, Curt and Thea Fennell appear to discuss Spotlight Playhouse’s upcoming production of “Oliver.” The show takes place Nov. 4 through 12, at Haverhill City Hall Auditorium.