LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – The calendar has turned to November, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is continuing her tradition of pardoning turkeys ahead of the holiday, as she has the last several years.
The governor’s office is asking Michiganders — especially kids — to participate in a naming contest for the two turkeys she will pardon this year.
“We are inviting Michigobblers of all ages (especially kids!) to submit suggestions for what to name this year’s pardoned pair. Since there are two turkeys, be sure to send in two names that go together as well as our feathered friends do,” a release from Whitmer’s office said.
This year’s turkeys will be pardoned on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Submissions are due by midnight on Sunday, Nov. 9.
Submissions can be made here. There’s no limit to the number of suggestions you can submit.
The governor’s office did not say whether the turkeys have already been selected.
Last year’s winning submission was “Aidan Cluckinson” — a nod to the star Lions defensive end who was sidelined last fall with a knee injury. Aidan Cluckinson was sent to the Saginaw Children’s Zoo to “live out the remainder of his life.”
In 2023, the pardoned turkey was named “Dolly Pardon,” while the first turkey the governor pardoned in 2022 was “Mitch E. Gander.”
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