Every Thanksgiving morning, Randall Park is filled with delicious food, a close-knit community, and a football tournament. Since 2003, Thanksgiving has grown to be many Downers Grove families’ favorite holiday, due to the annual “Turkey Bowl.”
“It’s my favorite day, I look forward to it every year. It’s become a staple of my family’s Thanksgiving morning,” senior Annika Isacson said.
The Isacson family originally began the tradition 20 years ago with just a few neighbors and friends, however, it quickly turned into hundreds of people joining in on the special day each year. Approximately 250 people attended this year’s gathering.
“There is something for everyone, so many people you can meet and talk to. It creates a great sense of community,” senior Annie Stephens said.
This year became the Isacson family’s favorite Thanksgiving yet; their oldest son Noah Isacson proposed to his longtime girlfriend, in the middle of Randall Park after the football tournament ended. The moment was shared with his closest friends and family watching and cheering him on.
“It makes perfect sense that this year is as big as it’s ever been because we have a new family to welcome to the tradition,” founder of the “Turkey Bowl,” Scott Isaacson said when congratulating his son on the engagement.
Each year, the Randall Park community hosts a food drive on Thanksgiving day. In 2022, an impressive 1000 lbs of food was donated to the Downers Grove FISH Pantry.
“The food drive started because my family wanted to give back to those that are less fortunate during the holidays,” Annika Isacson said.
The “Turkey Bowl” tournament typically consists of three fields, separating games by age. Players can choose between flag football and tackle football. In the oldest age group, the winning team is presented with a “Turkey Bowl” platter where they get to engrave their names and the year they won. Each year the Isacsons honor Professional NFL player, and Super Bowl winner, David Edwards, who once participated in the “Turkey Bowl ”. A poster is attached to their traditional sign, dedicated to Randall Park alumni who play in the NFL.
“It’s cool how someone that once played in our neighborhood ‘Turkey Bowl’ has moved on to such a big accomplishment of winning a Superbowl,” Annika Isacson said.
The “Turkey Bowl” has become much more than a football tournament, it’s turned into a welcoming celebration with friends, neighbors, and family. Those who experience Thanksgiving morning at Randall Park are lucky to be part of such a special community.
“After this year’s ‘Turkey Bowl’,” Thanksgiving has moved up on my favorite holidays’ list,” senior Micheala Baldwin said.
