When Diana Pitcher of Aughadown, Ireland, visited her stepdaughter, Stacey Hubbard, who was then living in Rye, over Thanksgiving several years ago, the Rye Y’s Turkey Trot really impressed her.

“What a great event with a terrific atmosphere among the many townspeople who gather together for a chat and a walk, with the hardier ones running the course. I really enjoyed the whole experience,” she said in an email from Ireland where she lives in “a large sprawling area between the towns of Skibbereen and Ballydehob with about 200 houses.”

In fact, Pitcher was so impressed that she wondered if she could re-create the Turkey Trot at home to raise money for the Parish Council, which does “amazing things to enhance the quality of life for the local community.” 

Pitcher made it happen. “This past December we held our seventh annual Trot,” she said. “Our event is held December 26, or as it is known in Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day. Like in Rye it has a great atmosphere; folks are delighted to get out after Christmas Day for a breath of fresh air and to catch up. There is a four-mile run for the hardy, or a walk or just a general get together.”

There is no entry fee, but mulled hot wine is served along with mince pies. (Maybe Rye can learn from the Irish?) And there are donation boxes. 

“This year we raised nearly 2,000 euro,” Pitcher added. “It has become a much-loved annual event. So thank you, Rye, N.Y. for giving me the idea and thank you from the Aughadown Parish Council for the inspiration to run this event and raise funds over the years.”