KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Shoppers were out on Wednesday making their final preparations for the big holiday.
Places around the Kansas City metro were full of people picking up that Thanksgiving staple: the turkey.
“I got two turkeys, about 12 to 14 pounds, seven quarts of gravy and seven things of stuffing,” said Cole McCollom, who was picking up his turkey Wednesday at McGonigle’s Market.
Shoppers at the market on West 79th Street were coming in by the second.
“I want a smoked turkey, for one, and I don't have a smoker. So, I wanted to do it but see how theirs tasted. I had tasted the samples before and it was very good,” McCollom said.
Over at Fritz’s Meats in Leawood, Kansas, employees said people have been coming in nonstop since last week.
Shoppers said having someone smoke their turkey for them is just easier.
“This is my first time hosting,” said Akeem Curns, who was picking up his turkey at Fritz’s. “Family is bringing the sides. I'm a little tired from working this year, working a lot. So I said I would buy a turkey this year."
A long line formed at the store 30 minutes before it opened. By the end of the day, hardly any of the 4,500 turkeys were left.
Curns was one customer who didn’t reserve a turkey ahead of time.
"I called in. She said, 'how close are you?' I got a little nervous and said about 15 minutes away. She said, 'well, if you get here in 15 minutes, we might have one,'” Curns said.
He was lucky and managed to snag one. He said buying the turkey takes the stress off having to cook it on Thursday.
"No stress. I am not brining. I'm not up at 4 o'clock in the morning trying to baste turkeys and stuff like that," he said.