Just A Typical Downtown Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day 2010 started bright and early at 7:00 AM…with loud speaker announcements from across Lady Bird Lake for the 20th annual Turkey Trot. Bill decided at the last minute to run in this five-mile race. (I passed, since the turkey was not going to cook itself.) We estimated that there were at least 16,431 participants*…a fairly big turnout even by Austin standards. I watched the start of the race from our balcony. It took almost 20 minutes** for everyone to get past the start line.

Thanksgiving Day 2010 was also the annual UT vs. Texas A&M football game, played here in Austin this year. Bill and Michael braved the cold to see the end of the UT season. (I passed, since the turkey was not going to clean up after itself.) Mid-day we went over to Congress Avenue to watch the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Parade. The A&M band marched over the bridge and up towards the Texas State Capitol.

After the band went by, we expected to see a few rows of cadets. We were shocked to watch 1,900 cadets, 20 horses, 1 covered wagon, 1 cannon and 0 cheerleaders*** following the band. Each brigade chanted as they marched along. The line stretched 12+ blocks from the lake up to the Capitol grounds. It was a very impressive sight…even to us Longhorn fans. 

Thanksgiving Day 2010 was indeed a day to be thankful. I am thankful for my family and friends, near and far. I am thankful for good health and the opportunity to live in a beautiful city. And I am thankful for the turkey which gave me several excuses to have a very relaxing day!

 Estimate Sources:
* Bill’s race number.
** Balcony observation.  
*** Austin American-Statesman and ground-level observation.

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