DANVILLE — The 22nd edition of the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival on Saturday brought out a large number of visitors eager to help out a good cause in the festival’s annual auction.
A total of 135 items were up for auction ranging from oak furniture, John Deere model farm toys, concrete lawn figurines, Amish handmade quilts, car wash certificates, Longaberger baskets and even baked goods with proceeds benefiting area Amish schools and the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District. Red Shaw served as auctioneer with Jerry Scott as hawker and assistance from members of the EKCJFD.
The auction raised a total of $5,000, which was divided between EKCJFD and the Amish school.
“Friday was the largest crowd we’ve ever had,” said festival director Jason Stephens. He credited the nice weather and the band Little Texas as reasons for the large turnout on Friday.
Saturday’s turnout was a bit sparse early on but picked up as the auction got under way as many locals were eager to see what kind of treasures they could find. Attending Saturday’s festival was Ray Booth of Mount Vernon.
“I’ve been coming here forever,” said Booth. “I come for the Porkettes and to see people I’ve known for 50 years.”
Although the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival is a yearly tradition for some visitors, 2011 proved to be a debut for others.


