WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Turkey Bowl Turns 50

Turkey Bowl Turns 50

Burlington, Vermont - November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving in Burlington without the Turkey Bowl.

"It's just grown over the years," Patrick Finnigan said.

The Finnigans and the Mahoneys have battled it out for the last 50 Thanksgivings.

"It is rivalry but it really isn't," Michael Mahoney said. "It's friendly rivalry... although I do want to win."

"We're not afraid to get out of bed in the morning and actually exercise, whereas the Mahoneys all these years they've just become extremely lazy and overweight," Finnigan taunted.

So to celebrate five decades of friendly jabs, the two families and their fans met for a pre-game party the night before.

"This is really what's called a strategy session," Mahoney explained. "Tonight it's really a strategy session to make plans as how we're going to beat you, Patrick."

It started back then with just a few friends from each family. But it's grown to include so many people over the years; it can get confusing out there.

"There can be 25 on each side on the field playing against each other and there are no uniforms," Mahoney said.

"It's just nice to know that no matter what the situation we can get together and have a laugh and have a game and go be with our families for the rest of the day," Finnigan said.

And the winner depends on who you ask...

Kristin Kelly - WCAX News