Hamilton, Ohio – The newly‑launched WKRP oldies station (97.7 FM) is bringing a beloved piece of television history to life for a good cause. On Wednesday, November 25, the station will stage its inaugural “Turkey Drop” at 7:30 p.m. outside the Casual Pint taproom, just off downtown Hamilton.
Inspired by the classic “Turkeys Away” episode of the 1970s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, the event will feature 3,000 small, numbered rubber turkeys that participants can purchase. Once sold, the turkeys will be released from the top of a fire truck and dropped onto a target on the ground. The contestant whose turkey lands closest to the center of the target will win a cash prize, while all proceeds from the turkey sales will be donated to the Open Door Food Pantry, a local nonprofit that serves residents throughout Butler County.
How the Turkey Drop Works
Each rubber turkey is individually numbered, allowing buyers to track their entry. After the sales period closes, station staff will load the turkeys onto a fire truck positioned in the parking lot behind the Casual Pint. At the scheduled time, the truck’s ladder will be raised, and volunteers will release the turkeys one by one. Spectators can watch the colorful descent and cheer as the turkeys bounce toward the target.
The target, a large circular mat marked with concentric rings, will be placed on the ground a short distance from the fire truck. The turkey that lands nearest the bullseye will be declared the winner and will receive a cash prize, the amount of which will be announced on WKRP’s live broadcast later that evening.
Supporting the Open Door Food Pantry
The Open Door Food Pantry has been a lifeline for families facing food insecurity in Butler County for more than a decade. By partnering with WKRP, the pantry hopes to expand its reach during the holiday season, when demand for nutritious meals spikes. All money raised from turkey sales will go directly to the pantry’s operating budget, helping to purchase fresh produce, canned goods, and other essentials for those in need.
Station manager Aaron Mitchell said, “We wanted to create a fun, family‑friendly event that honors a piece of TV history while giving back to our community. The Turkey Drop lets listeners enjoy a light‑hearted tradition and supports a cause that matters to many Hamilton families.”
Additional Ways to Participate
In addition to buying a rubber turkey, attendees can purchase commemorative T‑shirts featuring the iconic WKRP logo and a cartoon turkey. Proceeds from the shirt sales will also be directed to the Open Door Food Pantry. The station will broadcast live commentary throughout the evening, including interviews with pantry volunteers, local business owners, and longtime fans of the sitcom.
Local businesses have already shown support. The Casual Pint, which is hosting the event, will offer a special “Turkey Drop” beer on tap for the night, with a portion of each glass’s price contributing to the pantry. Several nearby restaurants are planning donation drives of leftover holiday meals to be distributed by the pantry after Thanksgiving.
Community Impact
Hamilton residents have responded enthusiastically to the announcement, with many noting the event’s blend of nostalgia, charity, and community spirit. “My kids love the old WKRP episodes, and it’s great to see the station doing something positive for our town,” said longtime Hamilton resident Maria Lopez. “It’s a fun way to give back during the holidays.”
The Turkey Drop exemplifies how local media can mobilize listeners for charitable purposes, reinforcing the strong ties between radio, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that keep Hamilton thriving.
For more information about the Turkey Drop, including how to purchase a rubber turkey or a commemorative T‑shirt, visit WKRP’s website at www.wkrp977.com or follow the station on social media.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
