The annual turkey giveaway is today at 3 p.m.

There is a change to this year’s Turkeython, which is hosted by RadioZ of Tama. The past few years, the turkey giveaway was held at the Marshalltown Police Department, which helps facilitate the event. This year it will be at the Marshalltown Community College, and 300 turkeys will be given.

Marshalltown Police Chief Chris Jones said the change of venue was implemented to reduce traffic problems. Since residents, historically, start arriving roughly two hours before the giveaway begins, he said traffic issues abound — especially since the MPD facility is already located on a busy street.

“People were double parking. It was difficult for the Marshalltown Fire Department to get down the roadway. Traffic was backed up,” Jones said. “Then at 3:20 p.m., the traffic got more congested because Lenihan Intermediate School got out.”

With the new location, he does not think there will be a reduction in the number of people getting turkeys.

“If that is an issue, we will look at different options next year,” Jones said. “We want to make this as safe as possible.”

Fortunately, the chief said they have a plan to reduce traffic problems at the college campus.

“We are hoping to bring people into the north entrance and wrap them around to the south entrance, just make a big loop out of the traffic,” he said.

Jones said they will be able to start lining up drivers at 1 p.m. With so many drivers and vehicles, it does not take long for the giveaway to complete. On average, all of the turkeys are given away within 45 minutes to one hour.

“It gets pretty full with people getting their turkeys,” he said. “We want to keep it as concise as possible and get people through there.”

Jones suggested people do not carpool, as they will only provide one turkey per vehicle. Even though there is a one turkey limit per car, the generous holiday spirit in Marshalltown abounds with this annual event.

“The best aspect of the giveaway is the partnerships with the business community,” he said. “This is a charitable event in which business owners get out, meet people and provide for the holidays. It is great to provide a Thanksgiving meal to every family that needs one.”

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Name: Turkeython 2025

Location: Marshalltown Community College

Address: 3700 S. Center St.

Date: Today

Time: 3 p.m., cars can begin getting in line at 1 p.m.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.