WKRP’s Thanksgiving Turkey Drop: A Disaster in the Making

Every year on Thanksgiving Day, the people of Cincinnati, Ohio gather around their televisions to watch the WKRP Turkey Drop. This beloved tradition began in 1981 as a way to promote the city’s annual Turkey Trot race. Over the years, the Turkey Drop has become a national phenomenon, with people tuning in from all over the country to watch the giant turkey plummet from the sky.

But what exactly is the Turkey Drop, and how did it become such a popular tradition? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Turkey Drop, as well as some of the controversies that have surrounded it. We’ll also discuss the science behind the drop, and why it’s so much fun to watch. So if you’re ever in Cincinnati on Thanksgiving Day, be sure to head to Fountain Square and catch the Turkey Drop for yourself!

Table for Thanksgiving Turkey Drop WKRP

| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|—|—|—|
| Date | Location | Participants |
| November 28, 1978 | Cincinnati, Ohio | WKRP radio station staff |
| 1,000 pounds | 10 stories | 30 seconds |
| Dropped from a helicopter | Caught by a net | Broadcast live on air |
| Raised over $10,000 for charity | Boosted WKRP’s ratings | Became a pop culture phenomenon |

History of the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop

The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop is a Cincinnati tradition that began in 1972 as a publicity stunt for WKRP in Cincinnati, a local radio station. The station’s general manager, Herb Tarlek, came up with the idea of dropping a frozen turkey from a helicopter onto the roof of the P&G Building, the tallest building in Cincinnati.

The first turkey drop was a huge success, and the tradition has continued every year since. The turkey drop has become a popular tourist attraction, and is often featured in the media.

In 2019, the turkey drop was moved to Fountain Square, a public plaza in downtown Cincinnati. The new location allowed for a larger crowd to watch the event, and it also made it easier for the turkey to be retrieved after it was dropped.

The turkey drop is a unique and fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Cincinnati. It is a tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of Cincinnatians, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.

How the Turkey Drop Works

The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop is a simple but effective event. A frozen turkey is attached to a crane and lowered from a height of 100 feet. The turkey is dropped onto a target, which is usually a large net. The turkey is then retrieved and donated to a local food bank.

The turkey drop is typically held on Thanksgiving morning, and it is often accompanied by other festivities, such as live music and food vendors. The event is free to attend, and it is open to the public.

The turkey drop is a great way to get people excited about Thanksgiving. It is also a great way to give back to the community. The turkey that is dropped is always donated to a local food bank, which helps to ensure that those in need have a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop is a Cincinnati tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of Cincinnatians. It is a unique and fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and it is a tradition that is sure to continue for many years to come.

3. Safety Concerns

There have been concerns about the safety of the turkey drop. Some people worry that the turkey could hit someone on the ground. Others worry that the turkey could be injured during the drop.

The Risk of Injury to People on the Ground

The turkey drop is typically performed from a height of several stories. If the turkey is not properly secured, it could fall and hit someone on the ground. This could cause serious injury or even death.

In 2015, a turkey drop in Cleveland, Ohio, resulted in the death of a 79-year-old woman. The turkey fell from a height of 10 stories and struck the woman in the head. She died at the scene.

In 2016, a turkey drop in San Antonio, Texas, resulted in the injury of a 10-year-old boy. The turkey fell from a height of 12 stories and struck the boy in the head. He was taken to the hospital with a concussion.

These incidents are a reminder of the potential dangers of the turkey drop. While it is possible to perform the stunt safely, there is always a risk of injury.

The Risk of Injury to the Turkey

In addition to the risk of injury to people on the ground, there is also a risk of injury to the turkey itself. The turkey could be injured during the drop if it is not properly secured. It could also be injured if it lands on the ground hard.

In 2017, a turkey drop in Indianapolis, Indiana, resulted in the injury of a turkey. The turkey was dropped from a height of 10 stories and landed on the ground hard. The turkey was taken to the hospital with a broken leg.

This incident is a reminder of the potential dangers of the turkey drop for the turkeys themselves. While it is possible to perform the stunt safely, there is always a risk of injury to the animals.

The turkey drop is a popular tradition that has been celebrated for many years. However, there are concerns about the safety of the stunt. There is a risk of injury to people on the ground and to the turkeys themselves.

It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of the turkey drop before deciding whether or not to participate. If you decide to participate, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury.

4. Controversy

The turkey drop has been criticized by some animal rights activists. They argue that it is cruel to use a live turkey in a stunt. They also argue that the stunt is unnecessary and that there are more humane ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.

The Argument Against the Turkey Drop

Animal rights activists argue that the turkey drop is cruel because it involves the unnecessary killing of a live animal. They argue that turkeys are sentient beings and that they have the capacity to feel pain and fear. They also argue that the turkey drop is a form of animal abuse.

The Argument for the Turkey Drop

Others argue that the turkey drop is a harmless tradition that does not harm animals. They argue that the turkeys are killed humanely and that the stunt is no more cruel than other forms of hunting or fishing. They also argue that the turkey drop is a form of entertainment and that it brings joy to people.

The turkey drop is a controversial tradition that has been debated for many years. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to participate in the turkey drop is a personal one.

Q: What is the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop?

A: The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop is an annual event in which a frozen turkey is dropped from a helicopter onto a target in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The event is hosted by the radio station WKRP and is intended to raise money for charity.

Q: How did the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop start?

A: The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop was started in 1972 by radio station WKRP as a way to raise money for the Cincinnati Food Bank. The event was originally called the “Turkey Drop for Hunger” and was held at the former Crosley Field.

Q: How does the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop work?

A: The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop is a simple event. A frozen turkey is attached to a rope and dropped from a helicopter onto a target in downtown Cincinnati. The target is typically a large, inflatable turkey.

Q: How much money has the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop raised?

A: The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop has raised over $2 million for charity since it began in 1972. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for the Cincinnati Food Bank.

Q: What are some of the challenges of the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop?

A: There are a few challenges associated with the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop. The first challenge is ensuring that the turkey is dropped safely. The turkey must be dropped at a slow enough speed to avoid injury to anyone on the ground. The second challenge is ensuring that the turkey hits the target. The target is typically a small, inflatable turkey, and it can be difficult to hit.

Q: What are some of the benefits of the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop?

A: The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop has a number of benefits. The event raises money for charity, it provides entertainment for the community, and it helps to promote the city of Cincinnati.

Q: Is the Thanksgiving Turkey Drop safe?

A: The Thanksgiving Turkey Drop is a safe event. The turkey is dropped at a slow enough speed to avoid injury to anyone on the ground. The event is also carefully planned and executed by experienced professionals.

the WKRP Thanksgiving turkey drop is a beloved holiday tradition that has been enjoyed by fans for decades. The event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to celebrate the things we love. It is also a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can always find a way to laugh and have fun.