Beyond the hats and the booze that are Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds, there is also horse racing. For those readers who visited the parimutuel machines, but then had to dash out for Thanksgiving dinner (or imbided a bit too much), here are Thursday's (11.26) results and payouts.

Millions of Americans tuned in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City today. Perennial favorites, Snoopy and Santa Claus, elicited cheers, but the highlight was New Orleans own 610 Stompers.

Mardi Gras is early this year, but for those who can not wait until February 9th, there will be plenty of floats, throws, and bands on Turkey Day! The Annual Bayou Classic Parade will roll from the SuperDome to the French Market on Thursday (11.26) from 3:3op.m. until 5:30p.m.

Thanksgiving turkey is a beloved American dish served only once a year. Unfortuantely, since it's only served once a year, lots of us don't have too much experience cooking these birds. So, we truened to Chef Jason Klutts of Cane & Table for some pointers on taming the beast.

Is your DIY kitchen rennovation still a work in progress? For those who don't want to fire up the burners this holiday, there are plenty of options. Several restuarants in Orleans Parish are serving up Thanksgiving dinners for al budgets. NoDef offers our annaul list.

Gentle reader, draw breath and wind the bugle! Before we sit paralyzed with feasting and blinking like owls at our television screens, button up the vintage suit, don the fancy hat, and wrap the bankroll tight for The Thanksgiving Handicap at The Fairgrounds Race Course.  ‘Cause we’re all gonna be rich!

There’s no question: NOLA’s got brass. So, the nation’s top marching band showdown fits right within the beat of the city. Tonight, ‘da Dome plays host to the Annual Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands. The event provides an intense hour plus of music and theatrics as two of the country’s best units face off.

Updated 3:35p.m.

Thanksgiving bought out the turkeys literally and metaphorically. On Franklin Avenue, a teenager allegedly stole a car… and a baby. On the West Bank, a man was shot at home, but the perp was no marksman.

Happy Turkey Day Defenders! Today, there will be more turkeys and dressing than even a New Orleanian can eat. However, there is much more to Thanksgiving in NOLA. Today also features, opening day at the Fairgrounds, a parade downtown, Celebration in the Oaks, lots of music, and more. Click through for a full lineup for the day.

From William Shatner to Tracy Lawrence, some of America's most visible citizens have pondered the true meaning of turkey frying. On the eve of Thanksgiving, NoDef looked for some tips from experts as well as the New Orleans Fire Department on the time-honored practice of deep-frying the gobbler. (The key is to do it safely.)