The Origins of The Inflatable Turkeys
The origins of the tradition date back to September 2016, when Helen Hutton, residing at 610 North Church Street sent a text message to six of her close neighbors, proposing the purchase and display of inflatable turkeys in their yards to celebrate Thanksgiving.
In the inaugural year, seven turkeys were showcased. The day after Thanksgiving, the neighbors convened in the Curfman’s yard for a group photograph with the turkeys.
Pictured from left to right are:
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The first turkey from 607 North Church Street, formerly owned by a family that has since relocated;
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The second turkey represented Danny and Karien Thomas at 608 North Church Street;
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The turkey belonging to Onel and Pam Perez at 606 N. Church;
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Larry and Carolyn Curfman standing beside their turkey at 601 North Church Street, displayed in their yard alongside their second turkey;
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Helen Hutton and her daughters, Kailey and Ryan, from 608 N. Church, who initially conceived the idea of the turkeys;
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Tom Henderson from 620 North Church Street, positioned at the far right.
Since its inception, the number of turkeys on Church Street has grown, with the tradition eventually being adopted by other streets in the Historical Neighborhood District and subsequently spreading throughout McKinney. Neighbors who have relocated to other towns or states have taken their turkeys with them, thereby introducing the tradition to their new neighborhoods.
