Tri-State folks ready to gobble up fresh turkeys

ERLANGER, Ky. - This weekend will be the busiest of the year for the Tewes Family of Erlanger.  When you own a turkey farm, what else would you expect? 

"It's all hands on deck," said Lauren Tewes. "Family and close friends all pitch in." 

With 2,500 turkeys to slaughter, clean and process, it's a long day that starts at 8 a.m. 

"We'll go until midnight - and that's Saturday, Sunday and Monday."

The turkey farm has been in operation since 1944, started by Lauren's grandfather, John.  Now it's in the hands of Lauren's dad, Dan and his wife, Darlene.

"Fresh is best," added Tewes. "Folks will be lined up starting Tuesday through Wednesday. It gets pretty nuts with 2,000 people coming to our little store front in two days."  The Tewes sell fresh turkeys for $2.49 a pound.

The farm is open Saturday and Sunday this weekend 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  They will stay open Wednesday night until 8 p.m.  The Tewes also sell fresh chickens and eggs. The farm is located on Crescent Springs Road.

Across the river in downtown Cincinnati,  Len Bleh, owner of Avril-Bleh meats on Court Street, said he is still taking orders for fresh turkeys.

"Only fresh.  We don't sell anything frozen.  We get so many compliments on them every year, I'm just sticking with a good thing," said Bleh. 

He said he has orders for three 35-pound turkeys, but he can order whatever size you need.

Bleh is taking orders until Tuesday afternoon.  He said plenty of folks will walk in, and he's ready for them until 5:30 p.m. Wednesday night.  Bleh's fresh turkeys sell of $2.99 a pound.

Tim Bessler from Economy Meats in Covington on Madison Avenue said he has both fresh and frozen turkeys.

"I've got a great deal on frozen turkeys for $1.19 a pound," said Bessler.  Buy $20 worth of additional groceries and we'll take $5 off the order." 

He also has fresh Honeysuckle White turkeys for $1.49 a pound.

"I'm well-stocked," added Bessler.  Economy Meats will be open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday night.