Here are 12 quirky Thanksgiving facts to entertain your patrons, spark conversations, and keep the holiday spirit alive:
- The First Thanksgiving Lasted Three Days: A feast in 1621 went on for three days, though details are sparse.
- No Turkey at the First Feast: Early celebrations featured local foods, not turkey.
- Presidential Turkey Pardons: U.S. Presidents annually pardon a turkey in a lighthearted tradition.
- "Jingle Bells" Was a Thanksgiving Song: Originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
- Butterball‘s Turkey Hotline: A hotline helping cooks with turkey tips since 1981.
- Macy’s Parade Rumor: Contrary to belief, the first parade didn’t feature live zoo animals.
- TV Dinners Were Born from Thanksgiving: Swanson used surplus turkey to create the first TV dinners.
- Biggest Pumpkin Pie: In 2010, a 3,699-pound pie was baked in Ohio.
- Ben Franklin’s National Bird Choice: Franklin preferred the turkey over the bald eagle.
- Towns Named "Turkey": Places like Turkey, Texas, and Turkey Creek got their names from wild turkeys.
- Football and Thanksgiving: The NFL tradition started in 1920, with the Lions and Cowboys leading the way.
- Calorie-Packed Feast: Thanksgiving dinners often exceed the daily calorie intake.
Use these fun facts to create trivia rounds, boost engagement, and bring people together. Trivia nights can even increase pub sales, as shown by venues like The 1762 at the Warwick Hotel, which saw a 300% sales boost.
Want ready-to-use trivia packs? Check out Thanksgiving Trivia Packs or get year-round content with our Weekly Trivia Subscription.
25 Little Known Facts About Thanksgiving – mental_floss on …
1. The First Thanksgiving Was a Three-Day Event
In 1621, the Plymouth settlers celebrated a feast that went on for three days. While historical details are sparse, much of what we know about this extended celebration is based on stories and speculation. It’s an interesting thought: What might the settlers have done to fill those extra days?
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2. Early Feasts Didn’t Feature Turkey
Turkey wasn’t the star of the first Thanksgiving feast. Instead, those early celebrations included a variety of locally sourced foods, reflecting the customs and resources of the time.
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This tidbit makes a great trivia question or conversation starter to keep your audience engaged!
3. How Presidents Spare Turkeys Each Year
Every year, the U.S. President takes part in a lighthearted tradition known as the presidential turkey pardon. This ceremony involves sparing a turkey, turning it into a fun and memorable White House ritual. It’s a perfect addition to any trivia night, offering a dose of humor and history.
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4. "Jingle Bells" Was Originally a Thanksgiving Song
Did you know the famous holiday tune "Jingle Bells" was actually written for Thanksgiving? While today it’s synonymous with Christmas cheer and snowy scenes, its origins tell a different story about how holiday traditions can shift over time.
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5. The Story Behind Butterball‘s Turkey Hotline
Ever wonder who helps frantic home cooks with last-minute turkey advice? Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line started as a response to the flood of Thanksgiving questions, offering quick tips to help ensure your holiday meal goes smoothly. This unique service has become as much a part of Thanksgiving as the turkey itself, highlighting the quirky traditions that make the holiday special.
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6. Macy’s First Parade Used Zoo Animals
There’s a common rumor that Macy’s first Thanksgiving Parade included live zoo animals. However, detailed records show this isn’t true.
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7. How Thanksgiving Led to the Invention of TV Dinners
In the 1950s, an unexpected turkey surplus turned into a game-changer for convenience food. Swanson, faced with an overstock of frozen turkey, came up with an idea inspired by airline meal trays. They packaged the turkey alongside classic sides, creating the first-ever TV dinner – a single tray, ready to heat and eat.
As television became a household staple, these meals offered an easy way to enjoy a festive dinner without the hassle. This clever solution to a holiday problem not only changed the way people ate but also introduced a new era of convenience foods in America.
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8. World Record: Biggest Pumpkin Pie
On September 25, 2010, the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in New Bremen, Ohio, baked the world’s largest pumpkin pie. This massive dessert weighed an astonishing 3,699 pounds and spanned 20 feet in diameter.
Here’s what went into making this colossal pie:
- 1,212 pounds of canned pumpkin
- 109 gallons of evaporated milk
- 2,796 eggs
- 525 pounds of sugar
- 233 pounds of pie crust mixture
To put it into perspective, this pie could feed about 5,000 people. A standard 9-inch pumpkin pie weighs roughly 2 pounds, making this pie over 1,800 times heavier!
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9. Ben Franklin Wanted the Turkey as National Bird
Benjamin Franklin once argued that the turkey would have been a better national symbol for America than the bald eagle. He admired the turkey for its native roots, offering a quirky twist on American history that’s sure to spark conversation.
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10. U.S. Towns Actually Named "Turkey"
Did you know there are several towns in the U.S. named "Turkey"? These names often come from the historical presence of wild turkeys in the area. For example, Turkey, Texas, got its name because wild turkeys were once plentiful there. Similarly, Turkey Creek in Louisiana and a town in North Carolina were named after turkeys that were commonly spotted nearby. These quirky place names make for a fun trivia tidbit to stump your friends or pub patrons.
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11. Why Football is Part of Thanksgiving
Football has become as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie, bringing families and friends together through a shared love for the game.
Every year, the NFL hosts Thanksgiving games, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys taking center stage. These matchups draw millions of viewers and have built a long-standing tradition of holiday football excitement.
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Share some football trivia during game breaks to keep the energy up and spark great conversations. It’s a simple way to create unforgettable moments and keep everyone engaged.
12. Thanksgiving Dinner: A Caloric Feast
Thanksgiving dinner is famous for its rich and indulgent dishes – a meal that often surpasses the daily recommended calorie intake. From butter-basted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to savory gravy, sweet potato casserole, and an array of pies, this holiday spread is a true feast for the senses.
Make the most of this calorie-packed tradition by turning it into a fun challenge. Ask your guests to guess the calorie counts of popular Thanksgiving dishes or how long it might take to burn off the entire meal. It’s a lighthearted way to spark conversation and bring some laughter to the table.
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Conclusion
Use these fun Thanksgiving facts to turn your pub’s trivia night into a crowd-pleaser. Many venues have seen how trivia nights can increase both customer engagement and sales.
Thanksgiving trivia isn’t just about having fun – it’s also a way to bring people together. Here’s how you can make your trivia night even better:
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Mix Up the Format
Create themed rounds like "Presidential Turkey Tales" or "Thanksgiving Food Facts." Include a mix of easy and challenging questions to keep everyone involved. -
Add a Visual Twist
Use picture rounds featuring historical Thanksgiving moments or vintage Macy’s Parade photos. If you need help, our weekly trivia subscription includes ready-to-go PowerPoint slides. -
Focus on Team Dynamics
Encourage players to form teams of 4-6. This setup fosters collaboration and makes the night more interactive.
Want to take it further? Check out our trivia packs and subscription service to make your event a hit. Use these Thanksgiving tidbits to create memorable trivia rounds that connect your community through shared entertainment.
"Our trivia nights have been a huge boost to our Thursday evenings. Our community loves it, and we’ve seen an almost 300% increase in sales. Highly recommend!"
– Brandie, General Manager, The 1762 At The Warwick Hotel
