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Pelican Rapids, Minn.

Off to the (turkey) races at Pelican Fest

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One of the racing turkeys
One of eight turkeys selected for the 2014 Pelican Rapids Turkey Races takes in his surroundings shortly before the event's first heat.
Ann Arbor Miller/For MPR News

The annual Pelican Fest is a two-day festival celebrating the best of Pelican Rapids, Minn., and embraces traditional fun and games like bingo, water fights, parades, a classic car show and bean bag toss tournament.

Photojournalist Ann Arbor Miller stopped by to capture the event's turkey races, which returned last year after an extended absence, and other Friday evening activities.

• More summer festival photo galleries, #mprsummer

Gallery
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Pelican Pete
"Pelican Pete" -- a 15-foot statue -- has stood watch over the Pelican River since 1957 and "is no doubt the most photographed object in Pelican Rapids," according to the Pelican Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
Ann Arbor Miller/For MPR News
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One of the racing turkeys
One of eight turkeys selected for the 2014 Pelican Rapids Turkey Races takes in his surroundings shortly before the event's first heat.
Ann Arbor Miller/For MPR News
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Pelicans await the festival
Live pelicans appeared to be in short supply in Pelican Rapids, Minn., during the first of the two-day Pelican Fest. However, the popular "Pelican Pete" -- a 15-foot statue overlooking the Pelican River -- and an assortment of smaller pelican statues scattered around town are always on display.
Ann Arbor Miller/For MPR News