11.25.10 YMCA TURKEY TROT $12.99-$27.99 Thanksgiving Day brings plenty of family traditions — turkey dinner, the Cowboys. But for more than 36,000 people, the morning begins with an eight-mile or 5k race through downtown. The 43rd annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot starts at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 1500 Marilla, but arrive bright and early at 7 a.m. for day-of registration. The Turkey Trot began in the early 1940s at the fairgrounds, and became an annual event after the 1968 race at White Rock Lake with only 107 runners. The race now includes timed and un-timed categories for the eight-mile run and 5k fun run plus toddler and wheelchair events. All proceeds benefit neighborhood YMCAs, including Town North, with a $50,000 fundraising goal. To register, visit thetrot.org.

THROUGH 11.22 THE J BOOK FAIR $36 The Jewish Community Center is hosting the J Book Fair with special author talks and luncheons throughout the month, including Joan Nathan (“Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France”) at noon Nov. 3. Ticket prices for other programs vary. For details and a full schedule, visit jccdallas.org.

11.01 CONCERT CLASSICS FREE The Dallas Symphony string quartet and pianist Baya Kakouberi will perform a concert, Mostly Schubert, at 7:30 p.m. in Emmanuel Hall at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. An optional $10 dinner with the musicians takes place at 6 p.m. in Jubilee Hall. A reception will follow the concert. For details, visit phpc.org/concert_classics.

11.06-11.07 DALLAS TOUR OF HOMES $25 The Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects will have its fourth annual tour of homes 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The citywide tour includes one Preston Hollow home at 5707 Del Roy. For details, call 214.742.3242 or visit hometourdallas.com.

11.14 TRUCK TIME FREE The community-wide event features tractors, fire engines and other large trucks for children to view up close 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas. For details, visit shearith.org.

11.21 TOWN NORTH 5K $25-$30 Town North Family YMCA, 4332 Northaven, will hold its 2010 Koala TNY5K at 8 a.m., taking advanced and recreational runners on a scenic tour of surrounding neighborhoods. Registration is $25 before Nov. 14, then it jumps to $30. Call 214.357.8431 or visit townnorthymca.org.