By Pat Trevino | Sept. 11, 2026
Cuero will be out in full force early Wednesday morning, September 16, as the community gathers to send Ruby Begonia northward for her annual showdown with Paycheck of Worthington, Minnesota. The official send‑off begins at 7 a.m. at Leske’s Oil Co., with the procession continuing toward Cuero Regional Hospital.
Ruby will travel with her full race team, led by Handler Lorren Cason, Coach Edward Oakes, Community Handler Brandon Dolan, and Captain Kevin Wolf—the group responsible for preparing Ruby for the high‑energy competition known as the Great Gobbler Gallop. Ruby is being transported to Minnesota by a former board and race team member who will depart Wednesday morning.
In addition to the race team, Cuero Turkeyfest officials, City of Cuero representatives, the mayor, Emil Garza and Cuero’s First Lady, Velma Garza and Chamber of Commerce board members will also make the trip to Minnesota to support Ruby during the first heat of the Gallop.
Adding to the excitement, the Cuero High School Marching Band will be stationed at the Old McDonald’s parking lot to cheer Ruby on as she makes her way through town. Residents are encouraged to line the route, show their support, and help give Ruby a spirited send‑off as she begins her journey north.
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The Great Gobbler Gallop takes place Saturday morning before the Turkeyfest Parade at the intersection of Main Street and Esplanade. The long‑running rivalry between Ruby Begonia and Paycheck remains one of the most beloved traditions of Turkeyfest. Each year, the two birds race for bragging rights and the coveted Traveling Turkey Trophy of Tumultuous Triumph, while the runner‑up receives the equally legendary Circulating Consolation Cup of Consummate Commiseration.
As always, the outcome is anyone’s guess—once the birds hit the street, anything can happen.
Cuero Turkeyfest officials say they will attempt to livestream the race on their Facebook page and will post race updates for those following from home.
Go Ruby Go!
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