Lights, Camera, Action: “The Great Turkey Town Miracle” Transformed Celina into a Movie Set
Celina, Texas, our charming hometown, experienced a taste of Hollywood magic! For 11 thrilling days in November and December of 2022, our quaint downtown square and beloved community spaces became the backdrop for an inspiring new faith-based holiday movie, “The Great Turkey Town Miracle.”
A Story Born from Real Life
Local writers Steve Dini and Joren Christensen penned this heartwarming tale of redemption, faith, family, and the power of prayer. Their script, a blend of their own life experiences, follows the journey of a man who must gather four thousand turkeys before Thanksgiving to keep his new job and family together. Talk about a turkey of a situation!
Celina Steals the Show
While the movie boasts talented actors and a captivating plot, the real star of “The Great Turkey Town Miracle” is undoubtedly Celina itself. Keep your eyes peeled for these local landmarks:
- Our iconic Celina water tower in the opening shot
- Beloved downtown businesses like Hey Sugar, Papa Gallo’s Mexican Grill, and Tender Smokehouse BBQ
- Celina ISD locations, including the administration building, Bobcat Field, and Celina High School
- Gracebridge’s trucks and warehouse, serving as the story’s turkey storage central
A Community Effort
The production of “The Great Turkey Town Miracle” truly brought out the best in our community:
- City officials and the Celina ISD worked tirelessly to accommodate filming while preserving our cherished Christmas on the Square event.
- Local actors and Celina High School students lent their talents as extras and for small roles.
- Instead of a location fee, the production company funded scholarships for Celina High School’s class of 2023 graduates.
Celina’s Hollywood Future
This might just be the beginning of Celina’s silver-screen journey! Our city is in the process of becoming certified as a Film Friendly Texas location, which could open doors for more productions to discover the charm of our community.
Watch it this Fall as a Tradition!
“The Great Turkey Town Miracle” released on November 10, 2023. So this season, get ready to gather your flock of family and friends for this heartwarming holiday treat that showcases the very best of Celina.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how our tight-knit community came together to support this production. It’s a testament to the spirit of Celina – always ready to welcome new adventures and share our small-town magic with the world.