PORTLAND, Ore. - The wet weather on Thanksgiving in the Pacific Northwest couldn't stop one turkey-day tradition. In fact, the muddier the better.

For many throughout the Oregon and Southwest Washington area, Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without football and their annual "Turkey Bowl." While they watch the oven or football on television, some people are - actually - diving right into Thanksgiving.

"This is tradition, every year, rain or shine," said Jeremy Hepp, a member of a pick-up football game held every year in North Portland's Columbia Park. "We're getting together, working up an appetite, thankful to have all these friends. We're just one big giant family."

This Turkey Bowl is just one of many football games struck up amongst friends and family around the area today. (See KATU Reporter Bob Heye's photos from a Milwaukie game.) The players in North Portland's Columbia Park game all grew up in the neighborhood.

"Born and bred," said one.

In years past, this was a tackle kind-of game. Now, this particular team has opted for flags.

"Ah, well, it's a mixture of the two," said Amy Mills, a fan of this North Portland game. "'Unofficial tackle' I guess you could say ... People are getting a little older and realize they can't play like the used to."

However they play, it was still better than another group of bowlers - out for their first Turkey Bowl.

"Yeah, Gatorade," said one of the new players, joking about a brew in his hand.

"It's carbs, hops, a little bit of sugar," said another newbie player, taking a pre-game swig. "They keep you warm. And let's not mention it hydrates you."

That's my kind of athletic ability. And being that these happen to be friends, I'm invited to play. It's a decision, I would have to say, that they quickly regret. (Watch the video to find out how it turned out.)

And if you wonder why so many people are limping come Friday, just remember that - for many throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington - "it's tradition."